If indicated, surgery to correct the nasal septum or a septoplasty is performed.An existing septal defect is usually accompanied not only by a decrease in respiratory function and associated health problems, but also by aesthetic defects.
Who needs surgery?
A deviated septum can occur due to traumatic, physiological, or compensatory problems.Conservative drug treatment relieves symptoms, but does not resolve the cause of their appearance.The operation is possible if there are no contraindications such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological or infectious diseases.In addition, at the time of the operation, the patient must not have acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections.
Patients should undergo surgery if they have the following symptoms:
- there are cosmetic defects: curvature, hump, depression;
- breathing is difficult;
- decreased sense of smell;
- frequent congestion occurs;
- you constantly feel dryness in the nasopharynx;
- during sleep, breathing is accompanied by snoring;
- frequent headaches and nosebleeds occur;
- decreased attention, memory and performance;
- Respiratory allergies appear.
In this case, the listed signs are identified together, and the need for surgical correction of the curvature is decided jointly by the patient and the otorhinolaryngologist after the examination, including with the help of an endoscope.
In some cases, surgery is done for other health problems.Therefore, correction of the nasal septum in people with bronchial diseases (for example, asthma) ensures more complete functioning of the respiratory system.
Preparation before surgery
The operation can be performed after laboratory tests and diagnostic examinations:
- general urine and blood tests;
- biochemical blood test;
- blood tests to detect infections;
- blood test for clotting (coagulogram);
- control blood sugar levels;
- ECG and fluorography.
The list is expanded by the doctor's decision if there are appropriate indications in the patient's medical history.
Additionally, patients should prepare for surgery several days in advance by avoiding:
- take medications that affect blood clotting (aspirin, heparin, diclofenac, indomethacin, etc.);
- drink alcohol and smoke;
- Preparation of male patients also includes removal of facial hair.
Techniques
The surgery can be performed with adequate anesthesia.If the curvature affects tissues and structures without affecting the bone part, then general anesthesia is not necessary.In this case, local anesthesia is sufficient.When bone structures are interfered with, the operation will be performed under general anesthesia.The method of pain relief can also be complex.
Modern surgery offers several ways to perform surgery.Here the classic surgical method and laser surgery to correct the nasal septum stand out.In this case, the traditional use of the scalpel involves the resection of the submucosa without external incisions.The mechanical action with a scalpel is carried out in the nasal cavity.An endoscope is used to improve monitoring.
In this way, a superficial correction of the cartilage or a straightening of the bone part is possible.Due to the fact that the incisions are made only in the mucous membrane inside the nasal passages, the final aesthetic effect is very high.There are no visible seams or scars here.
Laser septoplasty, as the name suggests, involves the use of a laser.This operation is possible in the presence of minor disorders that do not affect the bones.
Laser surgery is performed in two ways:
- Correction of the septum using a laser scalpel, which cuts healthy tissue for subsequent elimination of excess processes and curvatures.
- Correction by bringing the septum to a state of plasticity by heating it with a laser at high temperature.It is then mechanically given the desired shape.This method can also be called septochondrocorrection.
Features and advantages of laser technology:
- In this case, local anesthesia is used;
- low level of complexity of the operation, the duration of which should not take more than half an hour;there are no incisions or deep tissue damage, so the operation is considered bloodless;
- Based on the previous paragraph it appears that tampons, turunds or gel are not used after surgery;
- The cauterizing and at the same time antiseptic effect of the laser guarantees the absence of new infections and also promotes healing;
- Due to the features described above, the rehabilitation period after surgery does not last long and can be performed on an outpatient basis without 24-hour supervision;
- The aesthetic appearance of the patient during the recovery period is not affected, since there is no swelling or severe bruising.
Recovery period
Unlike gentle laser surgery to correct the nasal septum, classic surgery involves a longer recovery period.Immediately after surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital to monitor the initial results and assist in the healing process.The hospitalization period can last up to 10 days.
In the first days, breathing is extremely difficult, caused by swelling and the presence of modern silicone gauze or tampons or a special gel in the nasal passages.It is worth noting that silicone tampons, due to their structure, help to more effectively restore the functionality of the respiratory system.
After removing the materials used, a thorough examination of the nasal passages and septum is performed.Additional recovery will continue outside of the medical center with regular visits to the doctor for exams and the use of prescription medications.Without complications, performance can be recovered at the time of discharge, even if swelling takes a little longer.
Possible complications
Possible complications in the postoperative period:
- pain syndrome;
- bruising and swelling;
- bleeding from the nostrils;
- violation of the integrity of the septum due to the formation of a through channel connecting the nasal passages;
- numbness in the maxillofacial part due to nerve damage during surgery;
- purulent inflammation;
- sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.;
- adhesions in the nasal cavity;
- dullness of smell;
- formation of blood clots;
- deformation of the shape of the nose of various types.
To alleviate the condition during the rehabilitation period and prevent possible complications, several rules must be followed:
- do not visit baths/saunas and solariums, do not take hot baths or showers;
- do not stay in the sun for a long time;
- Do not consume hot foods or drinks.
To avoid unnecessary pressure and damage:
- limit physical activity;
- sleep face up.
To prevent dry mouth (due to mouth breathing), it is recommended to increase fluid intake.You should also use prescription anti-inflammatory and pain relievers and, if necessary, antibiotics.Also, visit an otolaryngologist in a timely manner.
Depending on the institution chosen, the cost of the operation is determined.For many patients, the services of private medical institutions seem to be the most acceptable.Thus, the price will vary depending on the clinic's price list and the type of operation.In addition, the medical services provided may cost more if a classic operation is performed and the patient remains in the clinic during the rehabilitation period.