Septoplasty
The septum of the nose is a wall made of cartilage and bone that divides the two sides of the nose. The septum can be deviated or bent due to a broken nose or sometimes it just develops that way. A deviated septum generally creates breathing problems on one side of the nose and does not change from time to time.
Septoplasty is usually performed through the nose requiring no external incisions. The deviated portion of cartilage and bone is then either removed or reshaped to straightened the septum. Splints are sometimes placed on the sides of the septum to help with proper healing. Other procedures are often performed in conjunction with a septoplasty, most commonly turbinate reduction. This is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss your particular case with you.
Reasons for Septal Surgery:
- Improve breathing through the nose.
- Reduce snoring.
- Allow better access for sinus surgery.
Expectations After Septal Surgery:
Most people can breathe better through their nose after septal surgery. It is impossible to get human tissue completely straight, but we can generally straighten your septum enough to help you breathe. You may not breathe perfectly through your nose, but in most circumstances it will be a lot better. You may still need other medical treatment for other conditions such as allergy. Septal surgery does not cure allergies.
Alternatives to Septal Surgery:
You should have received treatment with all reasonable medical options before considering septal surgery, but there are not many good medical options other than surgery for a deviated septum. If your septal deviation does not bother you much, there is the option to just live with the problem.
Risks from Septal Surgery:
Any surgery has some amount of risk associated with it. Your doctor will discuss these risks in detail with you. This list does not include every single side effect that could possibly occur.
Uncommon
- Nosebleeds in the first few days after surgery
- Failure to relieve the blockage or recurrence of the blockage
Rare
- Change in the outside appearance of the nose
- A hole in the septum that may cause crusting, bleeding, and/or a whistling noise
For more information see the post-op nasal surgery page.