Our Summary

This research paper investigates why septoplasty, a common nose surgery, often fails. The authors looked at studies published between 2008 and 2021, focusing on reasons why this procedure might not be successful. They found that common causes of failure include overlooked nasal valve issues, inadequate separation and resection of the junction between bone and cartilage, and insufficient correction of the deviation in the lower part of the nose’s dividing wall (the septum). Other contributing factors include problems caused by the surgery itself, a lack of symmetry in the nose, and side-wall concavity that involves certain angles in the nose and upper lip. The authors conclude that doctors need to be extremely careful not to miss nasal valve abnormalities and other nasal diseases before performing septoplasty. They also emphasize the need to adequately correct any deviations in the lower part of the septum. The paper also highlights that there isn’t a universally accepted way to classify, measure, and describe septal deviations, making it hard to plan and document surgeries. Therefore, more research is needed to develop such a system.

FAQs

  1. What are the common reasons for septoplasty failure according to the research?
  2. What precautions should doctors take before performing septoplasty according to the authors?
  3. Why is there a need for more research in the field of septoplasty as suggested by the authors?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and successful results. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the nasal area clean and dry, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly to address any potential issues early on. By following these guidelines, patients can improve their chances of a successful septoplasty outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for septoplasty include those with a deviated septum, which can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, and sinus infections. Septoplasty is often recommended for patients who have tried conservative treatments such as nasal decongestants, nasal sprays, and allergy medications without success. Additionally, patients with chronic sinusitis or sleep apnea may also benefit from septoplasty to improve their symptoms. Ultimately, the decision to undergo septoplasty should be made in consultation with a qualified ENT specialist who can assess the individual patient’s symptoms and determine if surgery is the best course of action.

Timeline

Before septoplasty, a patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, snoring, and headaches. The patient may undergo a physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and imaging tests like CT scans to diagnose a deviated septum. They may also try conservative treatments like nasal decongestants or allergy medications before deciding to undergo surgery.

After septoplasty, the patient may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the nose and face. They will need to follow post-operative instructions like keeping the head elevated, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed medications. The patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns. In the long term, the patient should experience improved nasal breathing, reduced nasal congestion, and decreased sinus infections.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty?

  2. What is the success rate of septoplasty in terms of improving nasal breathing and overall quality of life?

  3. How long is the recovery process after septoplasty and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?

  4. Will I need to follow any special post-operative care instructions or use any specific medications after the surgery?

  5. How soon after the procedure can I expect to see improvements in my nasal breathing and congestion?

  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more suitable for my specific nasal issues?

  7. What qualifications and experience do you have in performing septoplasty procedures?

  8. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous septoplasty patients you have treated?

  9. How will you evaluate the success of the surgery and address any concerns or complications that may arise post-operatively?

  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or habits that I should consider adopting to optimize the results of the septoplasty procedure?

Reference

Authors: Althobaiti KH, Fida AR, Almahmoudi A, AlGhamdi D, Alharbi M. Journal: Cureus. 2022 Dec 28;14(12):e33073. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33073. eCollection 2022 Dec. PMID: 36721531