Our Summary

The study focuses on surgical techniques used to correct a specific type of nasal deviation called caudal septal deviation, which can cause breathing problems. Various surgical methods are employed, but it’s difficult to compare their effectiveness due to lack of standardized outcomes.

To get a clearer picture, the researchers sent out online surveys to ear, nose, and throat specialists and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in Canada and the United States. They also reviewed existing literature on the subject.

The survey found that this type of surgery is more often done by surgeons trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The “swinging door” method was the most common, followed by extracorporeal septoplasty, cartilage scoring, and splinting with bone. However, the survey also revealed that these doctors rarely use standardized tools to measure outcomes.

Meanwhile, the review of existing literature showed that patient-reported measures (where patients describe their own experiences and results) are used much more often in research than by doctors in their practice.

The researchers suggest that future studies on this type of surgery should include both form and function assessments using a validated patient-reported measure like the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey.

FAQs

  1. What is caudal septal deviation and how can it affect breathing?
  2. What were the most common surgical methods used for correcting caudal septal deviation according to the survey?
  3. Why do the researchers suggest using the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey in future studies on septoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the nasal passages moist with saline sprays, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty include those who have a deviated septum that is causing breathing difficulties, chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, or snoring. Septoplasty may also be recommended for patients who have experienced trauma to the nose that has resulted in a deviated septum. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine if septoplasty is the appropriate treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before septoplasty, a patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent nosebleeds, facial pain or pressure, snoring, and sleep apnea. They may also have a deviated septum, which can cause these issues.

After septoplasty, the patient will undergo the surgery to correct the deviated septum. Recovery typically involves some discomfort, swelling, and congestion for the first few days after surgery. The patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon, which may include using saline nasal spray, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments.

Over the following weeks and months, the patient should experience improved breathing and reduced symptoms. It may take some time for the full benefits of the surgery to be realized as the nasal tissues heal and swelling subsides. In some cases, additional procedures or treatments may be necessary to address any remaining issues.

Overall, septoplasty can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life by alleviating nasal obstruction and related symptoms. It is important for patients to communicate openly with their healthcare provider throughout the process to ensure the best possible outcome.

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 will the surgery be performed and what techniques will be used?
  3. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of improved breathing and nasal appearance?
  4. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take to fully recover?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options that I should consider?
  6. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty procedures?
  7. Will I need to follow any special post-operative care instructions or attend follow-up appointments?
  8. Can you provide me with information or resources to help me better understand the procedure and what to expect?
  9. What is the success rate of septoplasty in treating nasal deviation and improving breathing function?
  10. How will you measure the success of the surgery and what outcomes can I expect?

Reference

Authors: Voizard B, Theriault M, Lazizi S, Moubayed SP. Journal: J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020 Jun 8;49(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s40463-020-00435-4. PMID: 32513268