A deviated nasal septum is not always obvious, but is often a serious problem. It can often lead to chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Straightening a deviated nasal septum can help relieve the discomfort caused by this anatomical defect. Septoplasty is considered a gentle technique, as it allows you to preserve the cartilage and bone skeleton.
Indications for septoplasty
- when nasal breathing is impaired due to curvature;
- chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses;
- damage to the nasal septum due to injury or surgical procedures;
- perforation of the cartilaginous septum due to inhalation of toxic substances;
- apnea;
- snore;
- asymmetry of the nose caused by a deviated septum.
The list of indications for eliminating septal deformity can be expanded at the discretion of the doctor.
IMPORTANT!
An operation to straighten the nasal septum is not performed if there is an infectious-inflammatory process in the nasal cavity. In this case, the patient must wait for recovery. Surgery is permitted two weeks after this. We recommend contacting otolaryngologists at ON CLINIC for the treatment of ENT diseases.
Types of septoplasty
Submucosal resection. Restoration of the septum is performed using a scalpel. If necessary, the doctor breaks the bones and moves them in the right direction. Finally, stitches and a fixing bandage are applied.
Operation using an endoscope. Endoscopic surgery is performed through small external incisions inside the sinuses. First, the doctor peels off the mucous membrane, then removes the crooked parts of the cartilage plate and straightens the septum. Next, stitches and a fixing bandage are applied.
Correction with laser or radio knife (bloodless). The doctor uses equipment that generates a laser beam or radio waves of a certain frequency, which replace a scalpel.
Photos before and after operations can be seen at the bottom of the page.
Recovery period
In the postoperative period, the patient needs to breathe through the mouth for several days: cotton and gauze swabs will be placed in the nasal passages. Restoration of nasal breathing occurs in approximately 5-10 days (this depends on the degree of complexity of the operation). For a month, it is necessary to limit the intensity of physical activity and avoid thermal procedures. With complex nasal surgery (septoplasty and rhinoplasty), the recovery period may vary.
Price
The price for correcting a nasal septum at ON CLINIC starts from 35,000 rubles. To find out how much the operation costs specifically in your case, come for a consultation with a doctor. To make an appointment at ON CLINIC, call the phone in Moscow or use the online form.
Very often, people are born with a deviated nasal septum, or receive a similar defect due to injury, however, this is not always a serious problem. Another question: when a deviated septum causes breathing problems, as well as the appearance of inflammatory processes.
Thanks to septoplasty, you can correct and correct a deformed nasal septum. The procedure is carried out through incisions and small submucosal resection.
Septoplasty of the nose: what is it?
If the nasal septum is deviated, it requires surgical intervention. Most likely, the doctor will offer the patient septoplasty - surgery to correct the nasal septum.
Today we will talk about it in detail, you will learn how this operation works, how to behave after it and read patient reviews.
Small displacements of the septum can provoke the following problems:
- Chronic runny nose.
- Snore.
- Problems with nasal breathing and increased blood pressure as a result.
Before you understand whether you should agree to septoplasty, you need to: explore the features nasal breathing and problems that may arise due to deformation of the nasal septum.
When we breathe, pressure is created in the nose, which changes every few hours. When you inhale, the air is evenly distributed between both halves of the nose, since the septum divides the nose into two parts.
And when it is bent, the air flow will shift to a larger nasal lobe, but in the narrow part of the nose there will be more air resistance. With a deviated septum aerodynamics are disrupted and this can cause the appearance of certain diseases.
There are many reasons why the nasal septum has an uneven structure:
- Hereditary factor.
- Congenital pathology.
- Improper growth of bone and cartilage tissue.
- Changes in the shape of nasal structures located nearby.
- Mechanical injuries to the nose.
Is a consultation necessary before septoplasty?
Naturally, you cannot prescribe septoplasty surgery yourself only after reading reviews or articles on the relevant topic.
At first consultation required with an ENT doctor who must examine the patient, analyze his complaints and check whether he is allergic to anesthesia and other medications that will be used during septoplasty.
Deviated nasal septum the doctor notes immediately with a superficial examination using an endoscope. It is worth noting that septoplasty can be prescribed even for minor curvatures if they interfere with normal breathing. In addition, such a pathology may lead to more serious problems in the future.
Indications and contraindications for surgery
Medical indications for this procedure include:
However, in order to improve the patient’s appearance, rhinoplasty is more often used, sometimes septoplasty combined with rhinoplasty within one operation.
Contraindications to the procedure are:
- Minor age.
- Presence of cancer.
- Poor blood clotting.
Classification of septoplasty operations
There are several types of septoplasty. Endoscopic - classic surgery and laser - surgery is performed using a laser. Regardless of the type of surgery, it can be performed open and closed way.
With open surgery, access is greater and the risk of injury also increases. This method is used only for severe deformations. To perform it, an incision is made in the area of the columella and then all actions are performed.
With the closed method of surgery, the incisions will be smaller and all operations with cartilage and bone tissue are carried out through them using special instruments.
Endoscopic septoplasty. With this type of operation, excision is performed directly inside the nose on its mucous membrane, which in the future eliminates the visibility of traces of surgical intervention.
In addition, modern advances can significantly reduce surgery time. As a rule, it lasts a maximum of 40 minutes, and with preparation no more than an hour.
Anesthesia depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the choice of the doctor, it can be local, general and combined. The nasal septum remains intact after the operation; only those particles of tissue that caused its incorrect position are removed.
Use of laser in septoplasty
Laser septoplasty is almost always performed under local anesthesia and has antiseptic effect, since after laser exposure the risk of complications and infections is significantly reduced. And the rehabilitation period after surgery in this case is much shorter than after a conventional operation.
According to patient reviews, they do not experience any discomfort after the operation, there is no need to stay in the hospital, and the procedure itself takes about half an hour.
However, despite all the obvious advantages of this type of operation, laser exposure has its contraindications. For example, it will be ineffective if the curvature of the nasal septum occurs not only due to deformation of the cartilage tissue.
That's why preliminary consultation required to determine in advance the degree of effectiveness of a particular type of operation.
How is septoplasty performed?
Before the operation, the patient must undergo a series of tests, which are prescribed by the attending physician. The plastic doctor conducts a superficial examination and takes a three-dimensional photograph of the nose. In addition to all this, preparation for surgery includes the following steps:
The operation itself most often lasts within an hour, but sometimes it can take three hours. At one time during the operation, the doctor must ensure that uniform air resistance is achieved by creating identical nasal passages.
If septoplasty is performed using the endoscopic method, then through an endoscope, which is inserted into the patient’s nasal cavity, the doctor can see what is happening inside and perform all the necessary actions.
Regardless of the type of operation, it includes the following stages:
- anesthesia;
- the process of adjusting the nasal septum;
- suturing the mucous membrane;
- installation of tampons against blood loss;
- plaster bandage overlay.
Possible complications after surgery
Very often, patients note that for several days after surgery they cannot breathe through their nose, but this is quite normal and goes away quickly. Less commonly, the following side effects may occur:
- The appearance of blood clots.
- Bleeding.
- Perforation of the nasal septum.
- Her suppuration.
- The appearance of hematomas.
To reduce the risk of such phenomena, sanitize all areas of inflammation and monitor them well after surgery.
Rehabilitation after surgery
In some cases, the patient after surgery may be left in the hospital for two days under the supervision of doctors. However, this is allowed only after endoscopic or complex surgery.
Immediately after anesthesia, special tubes and tampons will remain in the patient’s nose. You can breathe through tubes, but it will still be problematic. Your mouth will also be dry, so you should drink a lot of plain water.
Bed rest after surgery is not necessary, but for at least two weeks it is better don't plan long walks on foot. Regarding nutrition, the only recommendation here is that it is advisable to refrain from eating too hot and peppery foods.
Also during recovery antibiotics are prescribed. Immediately after the operation on the first day, the patient is given sleeping pills and painkillers before going to bed so that he gets a good night's sleep.
On the second day after the procedure, the following is noted:
- Breathing is difficult because the tubes are clogged with blood clots. They must be washed every 2 hours with saline solution and a special syringe.
- Body temperature may increase.
- The pressure rises.
- Migraines are observed.
- The eyes may become watery.
Third day. On the third day after surgery, you can remove the tampons, although swelling will still be present. After their removal you will feel relief, but you need to be careful not to bleed. If it exists, it should be stopped.
Next, you need to constantly remove blood clots and crusts, as well as prevent infection. Within a week the nose sprayed with solutions based on sea salt. You can drip saline solution to help the mucus drain away better and the crust to become softer.
This is done about four times a day. Every 2–3 days need to visit a doctor. But with vasoconstrictor nasal drops it is better to wait, although the congestion will be severe.
Full breathing will be restored in a few weeks, after the swelling disappears, and complete rehabilitation will occur in three months, when the nose has healed and received its shape.
- wear glasses;
- visit a solarium, bathhouse or beach;
- sleep on your stomach and tilt your head often;
- engage in heavy sports and carry heavy weights.
Septoplasty: patient reviews
Below we suggest reading reviews from patients who had this operation.
For a long time I had trouble breathing through my nose, but only with age did this problem become more pressing. I went to the doctor and they told me that my septum was placed incorrectly and they scheduled surgery. To be honest, I expected the worst. The operation lasted only 40 minutes, and the recovery went well. The main thing is that I learned to really breathe.
According to medical statistics, deformitiescartilage in the inner part of the nose is observed to one degree or another in 80% of people. They do not always create discomfort for a person or are noticeable from the outside, but when this happens, the help of a surgeon is required to correct the consequences.
Septoplasty is an ENT surgery to correct the shape of the nasal septum.. Unlike, it is carried out not for aesthetic, but for medical reasons. Even more often, these two interventions are performed simultaneously: for example, when curved cartilage leads to a change in the shape of the nose and, vice versa, when as a result of injury not only the appearance of the organ is deformed, but also its internal structure.
In what cases and how is this operation performed? Are there any contraindications and what complications can there be? How is the rehabilitation period going and how difficult is it to endure? the site reveals the details, and our expert plastic surgeons share valuable experience:
Indications for septoplasty
The main factor determining the need for surgical intervention is impaired nasal breathing caused by. With a physiologically correct structure, the nose is divided by a cartilaginous structure into 2 channels of equal diameter, through which air enters. If the partition is deformed, one of the channels becomes narrower than the other. As a result, increased air flow resistance is formed and the aerodynamics of nasal breathing worsens. This may be accompanied by several other unpleasant conditions and complications:
- chronic swelling of the nasal mucosa, which, in turn, can cause allergic rhinitis;
- chronic inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis);
- susceptibility to colds;
- regular nosebleeds;
- dryness and itching in the nasal cavity;
- pain in the face, headaches;
- drowsiness during the day and loss of performance due to impaired blood supply to the brain and heart due to chronic oxygen starvation;
- snoring, noisy breathing;
- apnea – short-term cessation of breathing during sleep;
- decreased sense of smell up to its complete absence;
- formation of aesthetic defects - if the curvature is acquired at an early age, the child may develop an adenoid type of face: a constantly open mouth, an incorrectly formed bite, a nasal voice.
Types of septoplasty
Septum defects can be corrected using several methods, each of which has its own pros and cons. The doctor chooses the best option, taking into account all the characteristics of the patient’s condition:
- Classic technique. It is performed open or closed through an incision on the inner surface of the nose. The working tool is an ordinary scalpel. Today, it is considered an outdated technique due to the presence of less traumatic alternatives (however, technically they differ only in the type of equipment used, and the principles and sequence of the surgeon’s actions are approximately the same in all cases).
- Endoscopic septoplasty. It is performed using minimally invasive surgical equipment under the control of a mini camera. The endoscope allows the operation to be performed with minimal damage to cartilage and tissue, which, in comparison with the previous option, provides a better aesthetic result and reduces the duration of the rehabilitation period. This method is applicable for corrections of any complexity, incl. when it is necessary to correct defects not only in the cartilage, but also in the bone structures of the nose.
- Laser (septochondrocorrection). Based on the ability of a concentrated light beam to evaporate cartilage tissue. Allows you to avoid severe bleeding and swelling, since the laser not only cuts, but also coagulates at the same time, i.e. seals blood vessels. In addition, the beam also disinfects the surgical field - this provides a pronounced antiseptic effect, which means that after the intervention there is no need to insert turundas into the nose. However, this method can only be used to correct cartilage: it will not correct bone defects.
- Radio wave operation – It is considered the most gentle option for septoplasty; high-frequency waves are used as a scalpel (the most popular device of this type is Surgitron). Similar to the laser technique, it does not involve blood loss and has a short rehabilitation period, but unlike it, it is also suitable for working with bones.
How is nasal septum corrected?
The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia and takes about 1-2 hours. The anesthesia option is selected depending on the complexity of the intervention, the wishes of the patient and his state of health.
- Local anesthesia involves injections of lidocaine or a similar drug into the nasal area. In addition, it is usually supplemented with an intravenous sedative injection. According to patient reviews, during the operation in this case it doesn't hurt, but all the surgeon’s actions (incisions, chipping of cartilage, etc.) are felt in the head by a noticeable unpleasant pressure.
When the anesthesia takes effect, the mucous membrane is detached - this is necessary to gain access to the working area. Then the doctor performs all the necessary manipulations. The essence of septoplasty is the excision of deformed cartilage areas. Modern surgical techniques make it possible to reduce the amount of intervention to a minimum: only minor parts of the septum are removed, which prevent it from being “built” into the correct vertical position. In some cases, sections of cartilage are removed, thinned, and then placed back.
After finishing the work, the surgeon returns the mucous membrane to its original position, places self-absorbing sutures on the incisions, and fixes the outer surface of the nose. Tight turundas or special silicone splints are inserted into the nasal passages. At this point, the operation is completed, the patient is transferred to the ward under the supervision of an anesthesiologist until complete recovery from anesthesia, after which it will be possible to return home: in most cases there is no need to stay overnight in the clinic.
How is the rehabilitation period going?
Tampons (turundas), which are placed to fix the nasal septum corrected during septoplasty in the desired position, must be worn for about 2-3 days. Before they are removed, the patient will have to breathe exclusively through the mouth, which can cause unpleasant consequences: a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the head, dry mouth, a slight increase in body temperature.
A nose injured during surgery will inevitably hurt. Throughout the first week, these uncomfortable sensations can remain very strong, up to the need to regularly take painkillers. After 1-1.5 weeks, as the wounds heal, they will subside.
For 7-10 days after septoplasty, severe swelling remains in the midface: this is how our body reacts to tissue damage. Therefore, even after removing the tampons, there will be no significant improvement in breathing. In addition, crusts, accumulated mucus and blood clots should come out of the nose. It is recommended to soak them with nasal agents based on sea water or saline solution. But most likely there will be no large dark ones.
Full recovery after surgery takes about 3-4 weeks, during which you cannot:
- raise body temperature greatly: visit the pool, sauna, bathhouse, beach, solarium or gym, take hot baths;
- wear glasses;
- lean forward for a long time;
- sleep on your stomach;
- take blood thinners;
- fly on an airplane;
- be exposed to sudden changes in temperature.
It is advisable to avoid any physical activity and protect your nose as much as possible. During this period, you cannot massage it, rub it, scratch it hard, or blow your nose - otherwise you can move the septum that is not yet fully fixed and ensure that you need to contact the surgeon again.
Contraindications
The cartilaginous structures of the nose continue to grow until 18-21 years old, therefore, with rare exceptions, the operation is not performed before the specified age. Firstly, there is a chance that the existing problem will be resolved naturally, and secondly, surgical intervention may provoke the appearance of new deformities in the future. In addition to age restrictions, septoplasty is not performed in the following cases:
- systemic diseases in the acute stage:
- infectious diseases;
- oncology;
- acute febrile condition;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- diabetes mellitus;
- bleeding disorders or taking blood thinning medications;
- epilepsy and mental disorders.
Possible complications and side effects
Septoplasty is considered a simple operation, but, nevertheless, as with any surgical intervention, the likelihood of negative consequences cannot be completely ruled out. The most common of them:
Problem |
What is the reason and how to treat it? |
Bleeding | As a rule, it occurs in the early recovery period due to the patient’s fault. It can be provoked by taking thinning drugs, alcohol, hot food and drinks, prolonged posture of bending forward, sleeping on the stomach, etc. – a significant part of postoperative restrictions is aimed precisely at preventing this trouble. If it does happen, it is necessary to stop the bleeding using a carefully placed tampon and take a hemostatic drug (for example, Tranexam). |
Formation of adhesions at the site of mucosal incisions | This usually occurs when the patient is prone to the appearance of keloids or hypertrophic scars. If they are small, they do not interfere significantly; if larger, they can cause discomfort and make breathing difficult, which will require their excision. |
Perforation of the nasal septum | The appearance of holes in the cartilage due to improper or excessive thinning. This is the surgeon’s fault, and to correct it you will need a second operation. |
Loss of sensation in the nose and/or upper teeth | A fairly rare complication that occurs due to damage to nerve endings. The sensations will gradually be restored, but this process may take a long time, up to 1-2 years. |
Degenerative changes in the mucosa, leading to deterioration of its functions | Requires separate consultation with an ENT specialist. |
Inflammatory process or hematomas between the layers of the mucosa | The bruises go away within a week or two, but if the wound gets infected, then in order to avoid more serious problems you will have to take a course of antibiotics. |
Mechanical injuries | A careless or insufficiently qualified surgeon during an operation can easily damage the areas of the face adjacent to the nose. The consequences are sometimes sad: paralysis of the oculomotor nerves, temporary blindness, impaired sense of smell up to its complete loss. In addition, too much intervention can lead to a permanent change in the shape of the nose. To insure against these troubles, you need to take an extremely responsible approach to choosing a surgeon and clinic. |
How much does septoplasty cost? Is compulsory medical insurance valid?
The cost of the operation depends primarily on the category of complexity, which is determined by the nature and degree of deformation of the nasal septum. If we are talking about correcting a minor congenital curvature, you can meet 100 thousand rubles. And for the restoration of injured cartilage, especially if they are broken in several places or crushed, you will have to pay 2-3 times more. In addition, the cost depends on the type of anesthesia used and the length of stay in the hospital - all these points must be clarified with the surgeon during the consultation.
Septoplasty can also be performed under a compulsory health insurance policy (CHI) - free of charge in a public medical institution. To do this, you need to go to a clinic or hospital at your place of residence and get a referral from a specialist to a hospital where the operation will be performed. However, in this case, you will still have to incur some expenses - for anesthesia, some tests, medications, surgical package, etc.
Reviews and comments
Septoplasty of the nose is a plastic surgery that is aimed at eliminating various defects of this organ and its septum. Despite this, first of all, the main goal of this operation is the improvement of the patient’s health, and not his aesthetic improvement, as is the case, for example, with rhinoplasty.
Anatomical structure of the nose
The nasal cavity is the primary section of the entire upper respiratory system. When air enters the nose, it moves through the nasopharynx, then flows into the larynx, trachea, bronchi and pulmonary alveoli. Only there does complete gas exchange between air and blood occur.
The anatomical structure of the nose includes the following sections of this organ:
- The nostrils are the external openings through which air passes.
- The initial section of the nose, which is divided by a vertical nasal septum made of cartilage (it is this that is most often curved).
- Posterior nasal passages.
- Choanae are two small openings that connect the nasal cavity and nasopharynx.
- The anterior wall is formed by the bones of the skull and cartilage.
- Bottom wall.
There are also new turbinates in the nose.
They consist of three such departments:
What does a deviated nasal septum look like?
The main signs of a deviated nasal septum are:
- An external defect that is noticeable at first glance is a crooked nose. This pathology usually occurs when there is mechanical damage to the nasal septum, which was not treated in time and the cartilages grew together in the wrong position. In this case, the person will suffer from many unpleasant symptoms.
- A person has a chronic runny nose, which either subsides or worsens again. Moreover, the patient may not even suffer from viruses - he will have a runny nose for purely physiological reasons.
- Asymmetrical shape of the nose (when one nostril is larger than the other or the organ itself is in the shape of an arch, saddle, or has a large hump).
- Chronic headaches that develop due to the constant touching of the nasal mucosa by the crooked nasal septum.
- Night snoring that cannot be cured.
- Frequent nosebleeds(occur due to drying out of the nasal mucosa due to a crooked septum).
- Weakness, lethargy and decreased ability to work develop due to a lack of oxygen entering the body. For the same reason, a person may suffer from migraines and dizziness.
- Unpleasant sensations when breathing through the nose.
- Impaired sense of smell or complete loss of it.
- Memory impairment.
- Decreased immunity.
- Decreased hearing due to constant inflammation in the ear.
- Cough and sore throat.
Additional signs of a deviated septum are:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose. In this case, a person may not breathe through his nose at all or only partially.
In addition, if a nasal injury occurred at a young age, the body can adapt and not show any symptoms for a long time, but the patient will still feel discomfort and impaired nasal breathing.
- Allergic manifestations can also develop due to a deviated nasal septum. The reason for this is a decrease in immunity and a violation of the body’s defenses, which leads to a person’s tendency to have frequent allergies to dust, pollen, food, etc.
- Constant dryness in the nose develops due to chronic inflammation of its cavity.
- Tendency to frequent infections (acute respiratory infections, runny nose).
- Visual impairment.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pain in the heart.
- Convulsive seizures.
- Increased blood pressure.
Why does deformation of bone and cartilage occur?
Curvature of the nose and its septum can occur for the following reasons:
- Too rapid growth of the skull bones can cause the shape of the nose to change and the nasal septum to become crowded. This will cause it to begin to bend and bend. Most often, this pathology is observed in adolescents.
- Trauma to the nose due to a fall or blunt impact, which leads to displacement of the nasal bones and a deviated septum. Moreover, if not treated in a timely manner, such a broken nose will remain crooked.
- The presence of oncological pathologies in the nose.
- Presence of polyps in the nose.
- Turbinate hypertrophy (excessive development of one of the nostrils) will also put pressure on the nasal septum and cause its curvature.
Peculiarities
Deviation of the nasal septum can be different and represented by the following types:
- classic s-shaped nose;
- formation of a thorn or growth;
- crest;
- a combination of several types of curvatures at once.
The treatment process largely depends on the type of curvature a person has.
Indications
Direct indications for nasal septoplasty are:
- Chronic nasal congestion.
- Difficulty in nasal breathing.
- Chronic rhinitis or sinusitis.
- The patient's desire to eliminate a cosmetic defect of the nose.
- Frequent nosebleeds.
- Chronic sinusitis.
- Otitis media
- Dry nose.
- Snore.
- The presence of unsightly humps and curvatures on the nose.
Contraindications
To ensure that nasal septoplasty does not cause any complications, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications to its implementation.
This operation cannot be performed for the following indications:
- The patient's age is up to eighteen years.
- Blood clotting disorder.
- Pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding).
- The patient is over sixty years of age (at this age, all body systems are weakened, so it is undesirable to perform any such operations).
- Various mental illnesses.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Blood diseases.
- Reduced immunity.
- Hypertension.
- Heart disease (arrhythmia, tachycardia, etc.)
- The period after a heart attack or stroke.
- Acute liver failure.
- Acute renal failure.
- Stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases that are acute.
- Oncological pathologies.
- Diseases caused by endocrine disorders.
- HIV infection.
- Various viral or bacterial infections.
At a consultation with a doctor
Before agreeing to surgery, you should definitely consult with your doctor, who will perform the procedure.
The patient should be informed about the possible risks and consequences after septoplasty, as well as the expected results.
In addition, the doctor should ask about the presence of existing diseases and prescribe a number of necessary preoperative examinations. He also needs to talk about the types of septoplasty and the operation that is most suitable in this particular case.
Video: Surgeon's opinion
Types. Their advantages and disadvantages
There are two main types of septoplasty:
- laser;
- endoscopic.
Each of them has its own characteristics and advantages. Let's look at them in more detail.
Laser
Laser septoplasty is performed using a special laser beam. It is usually prescribed for minor deformities of the nose. Today this type of operation is considered the most popular.
Laser septoplasty has the following advantages:
- In this case, the person will not lose blood, because no incisions are made.
- Low-traumatic operation.
- The laser has pronounced antiseptic properties.
- The procedure is quick (only 20 minutes).
- No swelling or other postoperative complications.
- Minimal risk of infection.
The disadvantages of this type of operation are:
- It cannot be performed in cases of severe curvature of the nasal septum.
- The operation will be effective only when the curvature is located in the cartilage tissue.
- It has a lot of contraindications.
- It should not be performed on patients under the age of 21, since cartilage can still grow before this age.
Endoscopic
Endoscopic septoplasty is performed using a scalpel. It cuts the nasal septum and eliminates various defects.
The advantages of this type of operation are:
- causing minimal damage to cartilage and tissue;
- fast rehabilitation;
- the stitches are placed below the nostrils, so they are not visible;
- effectiveness of surgery for severely deviated nasal septum.
The disadvantages of endoscopic septoplasty are:
- long surgery (40 minutes);
- risk of infection;
- risk of postoperative complications;
- tissue trauma;
- blood loss;
- pain of the operation.
Photo: Before and after
Rules for preparing for surgery
There are the following rules for preparing for septoplasty:
- A week before the operation, you need to undergo the following diagnostic procedures:
- general blood test;
- general urinalysis;
- blood sugar level;
- HIV test;
- hepatitis test;
- pregnancy test (for women);
- blood for clotting;
- fluorography;
- CT scan of the nasal sinuses.
- A week before surgery, consult with the following doctors:
- ENT doctor;
- therapist;
- the surgeon who will perform the operation.
- Ten days before septoplasty you need to stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Ten days in advance, it is very important to stop taking medications that interfere with blood clotting (Aspirin, Warfarin, etc.).
- It is advisable to switch to proper nutrition and a well-balanced diet at least two weeks before septoplasty to strengthen the body and enrich it with vitamins.
- It is very important to avoid stress and nervous tension, because if the patient is very nervous and anxious before the operation, the doctor may refuse to perform the operation.
This is explained by the fact that during nervous experiences a person’s heart rate increases and blood pressure increases, which can cause complications during surgery.
- On the day of surgery, men are advised to shave their mustache.
- On the day of surgery, you need to cleanse your face. It should not have any cosmetics on it.
- It is advisable not to perform septoplasty during menstruation. It must be prescribed ten days after it.
- You should not eat or drink anything immediately on the day of surgery. You need to prepare essential supplies with you from home that you will need in the hospital.
Possible complications
Most often, after this operation, patients develop the following complications:
- Hematoma- This is internal hemorrhage in tissues that occurs due to rupture of blood vessels. Usually the hematoma resolves on its own, but in more advanced cases it must be removed surgically.
- Increased body temperature This is a completely normal reaction of the body to damage and inflammation. This symptom develops after almost all operations. It is relieved with the help of antipyretic drugs.
- Bleeding it is justified by the fact that the nasal mucosa is well supplied with blood, therefore, with the slightest injury, a person may experience heavy bleeding. Moreover, nosebleeds can occur both during and after surgery.
- Pain after surgery- This is also a standard symptom that is easily relieved with analgesics.
- Septal abscess is a rather serious complication that must be eliminated surgically. It develops due to infection in postoperative incisions.
- Numbness or loss of sensation in the nose may occur when nerves are damaged.
Factors that increase the risk of complications
Complications after this operation may occur due to the following factors:
- Septoplasty is performed incorrectly from a technical point of view.
- Inexperience of the surgeon.
- Failure to comply with the rules of asepsis and sterility during surgery.
- Incorrect dressings.
- Failure of the patient to comply with the rules of preparation before septoplasty.
- The patient took alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs before surgery.
- Performing surgery if the patient has significant contraindications.
Prevention of complications
To prevent the development of complications after this procedure, you should follow these tips:
- Follow all medical recommendations.
- After the operation (at least in the first two days), stay in bed and avoid any physical activity (especially bending).
- In the first two weeks, you need to eat well and avoid eating fatty and fried foods.
Do not agree to surgery if there is at least one contraindication.
- Look for an experienced surgeon and a good clinic to perform the operation.
- Perform nasal dressings daily, even after discharge.
- Rinse the nasal cavity and wounds with antiseptic solutions (Furacelin, Peroxide, Chlorhexedine).
- Use healing ointments (Levomekol). They need to be applied to a sterile bandage and applied to the wound.
- You need to know what you are agreeing to, so before the operation the patient must be aware of the possible risks and failures.
- If pain, high fever or swelling occurs after septoplasty, the necessary anti-inflammatory and decongestant drugs should be prescribed immediately.
- If a patient has purulent discharge from wounds, then he needs to be prescribed special antibiotics that will suppress the activity of microbes and pathogenic bacteria. You need to be treated with such antibiotics for at least five days in a row.
- Even after discharge for a month, the patient must be careful and protect himself from hypothermia, physical exertion or emotional stress.
- In the first days after surgery, it is important to insert bandage swabs soaked in a special solution into the nostrils to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Average cost
The price of nasal septoplasty depends on the complexity of the pathology and the deformation of the nasal septum itself.
If the curvature is listed as congenital, then the price for its treatment will be about 40 thousand rubles. If the pathology is acquired, then the cost of eliminating it will be from 50 thousand rubles.
Septoplasty is a rather complex operation that has a lot of nuances. For this reason, it is important to weigh all the pros and cons before undertaking it.
Many patients of otolaryngologists, faced with a choice - surgery or further suffering, sometimes do not know how to guide themselves in such a complex issue.
Studying the intricacies of the upcoming intervention, a thorough preoperative examination, strict adherence to preparation recommendations and unquestioning compliance with the doctor’s instructions in the postoperative period will help you decide to take the right step and achieve the desired success.
For patients who fully feel the impact of a deviated nasal septum, doctors recommend a solution such as septoplasty. What it is and how it can affect the quality of life is very important to know when giving consent to surgery.
Septoplasty is a plastic surgery to correct a deformed nasal septum. The essence of the operation is either the correction of cartilage or bone tissue, or their partial removal. No external incisions are made; all manipulations are performed through the nostrils. Depending on the complexity of each specific case, local anesthesia or general anesthesia is used.
Along with septoplasty, there is also such a type of operation as rhinoplasty. These two concepts have significant differences. In the first case, the need for surgery is dictated solely from a medical point of view, because a deviated nasal septum is a pathology that leads to deterioration of health.
And rhinoplasty, although it is a surgical intervention, is a purely aesthetic procedure to change the shape of the nose. There are, of course, cases when it is necessary to combine these manipulations, then we will talk about rhinoseptoplasty.
Indications for surgery
When writing a referral for septoplasty, the ENT specialist is guided by the following patient complaints:
- most often and first of all, these are difficulties with breathing through the nose, sometimes on one side, sometimes on both;
- rhinitis, sinusitis, becoming chronic;
- congestion in the ears, otitis media, up to hearing impairment;
- increased incidence of nosebleeds;
- heavy snoring;
- headaches;
- decreased or complete absence of sense of smell.
All these symptoms, if measures are not taken in time, lead to more severe consequences. Decreased oxygen supply to brain cells, which causes drowsiness and chronic fatigue. The air inhaled through the mouth enters the respiratory tract as cold, contaminated, and the mucous membrane dries out. All this increases the risk of glossitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis and pneumonia.
How to prepare for septoplasty of the nasal septum
Septoplasty, despite its apparent simplicity, is a serious operation. What it is - the otolaryngologist must describe to the patient in great detail. He also prescribes additional consultations with other specialists, among whom should be: a plastic surgeon, a therapist and an anesthesiologist.
The plastic surgeon who monitors the patient before, during and after septoplasty, determining what exactly needs to be adjusted and how it will happen, makes this explanation in a detailed surgical plan.
To select the correct anesthesia, it is important for the anesthesiologist to know about the patient’s injuries and infectious diseases, the presence or absence of allergies. The therapist examines the general condition of the patient: pulse, blood pressure, laboratory test results, the presence of chronic diseases, and based on them, with a personal signature, gives permission for septoplasty.
No later than 10 days before the operation, the following must be carried out:
- hardware examination (x-ray of the nose, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, fluorography of the lungs;
- blood tests (blood group and Rh factor, HIV infection, Wasserman reaction, hepatitis, coagulation, as well as general analysis);
- general urinalysis.
If the patient has chronic diseases, consultation with a specialist in this field is necessary.
A week before the scheduled day of the operation, all physical activity is excluded: heavy work, sports activities, dragging heavy objects, running. A ban is introduced on foods that thin the blood: fatty fish, some types of berries and fruits, onions and garlic, flaxseed and olive oil, cereals containing a high percentage of magnesium, green tea, ginger, coffee.
During the 4 days preceding septoplasty and 6 days after it, it is necessary to undergo a special course of therapy to prevent swelling in the postoperative period: twice a day before or after meals, 20 drops of lymphomyositis and traumeel.
The last meal is allowed no less than 8 hours, drinking - 6 hours before surgery. Upon admission to the hospital on the day of surgery, the patient must present the results of all studies in the original, no more than 10 days old.
How is septoplasty performed?
Septoplasty - what it is and how it is performed - will help you understand the description of its five types.
Resection with threads
This is the alignment of the septal bone with its fastening with special threads.
Special fibers are implanted into the cartilage tissue to reinforce the curved bone.
Endoscopic septoplasty
A modern technique in which minimal tissue dissection is performed, which has a beneficial effect on healing and shortens the postoperative recovery period. Endoscopic septoplasty, in turn, is divided into three types:
Endoscopic septoplasty
- Vasotomy is the intersection of vessels connecting the mucous and bone tissues of the nose.
- RR technology – using a laser, the cartilaginous shell is exfoliated, followed by removal or straightening of the curved part of the septum.
- Reimplantation of autocartilage - securing the rearranged curved part of the cartilage in a new place with silicone inserts.
Laser septoplasty of the nasal septum
Laser septoplasty of the nasal septum is considered the most bloodless. To carry it out, a laser scalpel of the required angle is selected, with its help the cartilage shell is heated to a certain temperature, at which the cartilage tissue becomes plastic, like clay. Special instruments straighten and hold the cartilage until it maintains its correct shape.
Radio wave septoplasty
Radio wave septoplasty uses the ability of the Surgitron device to emit high frequency radio waves.
Surgitron
Under the influence of high-frequency radio waves, the possibility of severe bleeding is eliminated, there is a powerful antibacterial effect, thanks to the ideally smooth edges of the incisions, rapid tissue fusion occurs, which means that the rehabilitation period is shortened as much as possible, and there is an almost complete absence of postoperative pain.
Ultrasound septoplasty
Under the influence of high energy ultrasound, the cancellous substance of the bone is destroyed., tissue dissection, coagulation of blood vessels, which creates the same effects as with radio wave septoplasty. This method is effective for removing thorns and ridges.
Postoperative period – recovery after septoplasty
Immediately after the operation, tampons are inserted into the nostrils, and ice is applied to the bridge of the nose for half an hour. The recovery period, depending on the method used, lasts from one to two to three weeks.
Tsiprolet
You will need to wear tampons in your nose for a maximum of three days after surgery. During this same period, it is recommended not to have strict bed rest, avoid hot food, and avoid all kinds of stress. Given the need to breathe through the mouth, there should be a certain supply of fluid next to the patient during the postoperative period.
Drug treatment consists of taking Tsiprolet for five days (500 mg 2 times a day) and Erius- for 10 days (1 tablet per day), for severe pain - no more than 3 times a day, 1 tablet of Nurofen. After the final removal of the tampons, Aquamaris is injected into the nostrils as often as possible to speed up healing, soften and peel off the resulting crust.
Erius
Swelling subsides 1-2 weeks after septoplasty, which is average. This is a period when the temperature may rise, the ichor may be released, and the softened remains of the threads will fall off along with the crust. These symptoms, according to surgeons, are completely normal and do not indicate the occurrence of a complication.
For a month after septoplasty, sports and hard work are strictly prohibited.
Possible negative consequences
Provided that the operation is carried out correctly and the recommendations of specialists are followed, the occurrence of negative consequences in the postoperative period is extremely rare.
- One of the most common complications is bleeding, to prevent which tampons are necessary, which are removed 2 days after surgery.
- Hematoma is the second most common negative reaction of the body to surgery. If the tampon is heavily saturated with blood, the nasal passages are drained to eliminate the possibility of a hematoma.
- If septoplasty is performed carelessly, the surgical instrument can damage the mucosal layers, which leads to perforation of the septum. This operation requires high precision and accuracy from the doctor so that such a complication does not arise.
- A less common consequence is septal abscess.
- A change in the external shape of the nose can be caused by high resection of the quadrangular cartilage. This defect may appear at a later date - after the swelling subsides and all tissues return to normal.
The risk of complications increases significantly with uncontrolled drug use, alcohol abuse, smoking, long-term use of certain medications, the presence of scars from previous operations, and diseases not identified during the preliminary examination.
Prevention of complications
The first preventive measure will be careful selection of a clinic and consideration of reviews from former patients. The next stage is the transition to a healthy lifestyle a month before the operation - giving up bad habits, a balanced diet, eliminating blood thinning products from the diet.
The therapist should be notified in detail about the state of health, the presence of chronic diseases, past infectious diseases and surgical operations.
It is very important to undergo a complete examination prescribed by your doctor and otolaryngologist, perform all procedures the day before and on the day of surgery, paying special attention to the postoperative course of treatment and rehabilitation.
If any unusual symptoms, pain, excessive bleeding, dizziness, or nausea occur, the medical staff must be notified immediately.
Contraindications
Additional therapeutic measures will be required to relieve acute conditions and exacerbations of chronic diseases, especially diabetes mellitus, the cardiovascular system, and the respiratory organs. The refusal to undergo septoplasty is clearly due to poor blood clotting indicators.
Price for septoplasty
Prices for septoplasty in different clinics vary significantly. This largely depends on the method used, devices, materials and instruments, methods of anesthesia, inclusion of a bed and food in the price.
The lowest price is 11.5 thousand, the highest is about 100 thousand rubles. The last figure includes, in addition to the operation itself, general anesthesia, 2-week hospitalization with food and consumables. To this figure it is necessary to add the cost of laboratory and hardware examination.
A responsible approach involves any intervention, including septoplasty. It is important that this is such a simple, but still operational effect. Such an important decision as choosing the right clinic will save patients from troubles.
An experienced specialist knows what septoplasty is and what side effects there are.
It is desirable that the hospital is not multidisciplinary, narrowly focused in the field of otolaryngology. First of all, you need to decide which method is suitable for eliminating the problem, and contact a surgeon who specializes in operations of this particular type.
If price matters, you should consider all the options offered in detail. The price list must indicate what services and materials are included in the price.
To be more confident in a favorable outcome of a surgical intervention, it is a good idea to inquire about the reputation of the medical institution, find out its history, staff, and the number of similar operations performed there per month. The main criterion when determining the place of treatment is the qualifications of the attending physician, his track record, and patient reviews.
Septoplasty results (before and after photos)
If all conditions are met in the days preceding the operation and several weeks after it, in most cases the outcome of the intervention is positive. The main goal - free breathing, sound sleep, absence of upper respiratory tract diseases - is achieved in most cases.
A positive side effect is always visible on the face - the appearance of the nose after a properly performed septoplasty always improves. Humps, curvature, and asymmetry disappear.
Videos about septoplasty. What is it and how effective is the operation?
This video will answer what nasal septoplasty is:
Laser septoplasty pros and cons: