Our Summary

This research paper is a review of studies conducted in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden over the past decade on the outcomes of nasal septoplasty - a common surgery to correct a deviated (misaligned) nasal septum. The main goal of the review was to identify areas where further research is needed to improve the procedure in these Nordic countries.

According to the reviewed studies, around two-thirds of patients reported being satisfied with the results of the surgery 6-12 months post-operation, which aligns with international data. Patients with more severe symptoms were more likely to experience improvements after the surgery.

However, the studies also revealed a 25% failure rate in septoplasty surgeries, which is difficult to explain due to a lack of standardisation in patient selection, surgical methods, and follow-up procedures.

In conclusion, the review showed that nasal septoplasty is generally effective in relieving nasal obstruction, but there is a need for more research to standardise diagnostic tools and surgical methods. The study also highlighted the need for a systematic approach to follow-up on surgical results, and an understanding of how surgical skills in septoplasty are acquired and maintained.

FAQs

  1. What was the main goal of the review of studies conducted on nasal septoplasty in Nordic countries?
  2. What percentage of patients were satisfied with the results of their septoplasty surgery according to the reviewed studies?
  3. What were the main areas identified in the review where further research is needed to improve septoplasty procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including keeping the nasal passages clean and avoiding activities that could potentially harm the healing process. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns that may arise. Additionally, maintaining good overall health and avoiding smoking can help promote successful healing after septoplasty.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty are those who suffer from symptoms of nasal obstruction, such as difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, and recurrent sinus infections. These symptoms are often caused by a deviated nasal septum, which can be congenital or the result of injury.

Additionally, patients who have tried conservative treatments such as nasal sprays, decongestants, and allergy medications without success may also be candidates for septoplasty. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine if septoplasty is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Overall, septoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for improving nasal airflow and relieving symptoms of nasal obstruction in eligible patients.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, frequent sinus infections, and/or nosebleeds.
  2. Patient consults with an ENT specialist who performs a physical examination and may request imaging tests like a CT scan to confirm a deviated septum.
  3. ENT specialist recommends septoplasty surgery to correct the deviated septum.

After septoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery, which is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1-2 hours.
  2. Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and nasal congestion in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the ENT specialist to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  4. Around 6-12 months post-operation, patient reports improvements in nasal breathing and overall satisfaction with the results of the surgery.
  5. In some cases, patients may experience persistent symptoms or complications, leading to a potential revision surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about septoplasty include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?
  2. How long is the recovery period after septoplasty and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  4. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvements in my nasal breathing?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to septoplasty that I should consider?
  6. What is the success rate of septoplasty in patients with similar symptoms to mine?
  7. How many septoplasty surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments in conjunction with septoplasty?
  9. How will my nasal structure be affected by the surgery and will there be any changes in the appearance of my nose?
  10. Are there any long-term considerations or potential complications I should be aware of after undergoing septoplasty?

Reference

Authors: Hellgren J, Lundberg M, Rubek N, von Buchwald C, Steinsvåg S, Mäkitie A. Journal: Front Surg. 2022 Dec 1;9:1061440. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1061440. eCollection 2022. PMID: 36532131