Surgery to correct the nasal septum or septoplasty is performed if indicated.An existing septum defect is often associated not only with reduced respiratory function and associated health problems, but also with cosmetic defects.
Who needs surgery?
A deviated septum can occur due to traumatic, physiological or compensatory problems.Conservative drug treatment relieves the symptoms, but does not solve the cause of its occurrence.The operation is possible if there are no contraindications such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological or infectious diseases.In addition, at the time of surgery, the patient should 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;
- reduced sense of smell;
- frequent congestion occurs;
- you constantly feel dry 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 in a complex, and the need for surgical correction of the curvature is decided together by the patient and the otolaryngologist after the examination, including with the help of an endoscope.
In some cases, surgery is done for other health problems.Thus, correction of the septum in the nose for 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 test for infections;
- blood analysis for coagulation (coagulogram);
- controlling blood sugar levels;
- ECG and fluorography.
The list is expanded by the doctor's decision if there are suitable indications in the patient's medical history.
In addition, patients should prepare for surgery several days in advance by avoiding:
- taking pharmaceutical drugs that affect blood coagulation (Aspirin, Heparin, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, etc.);
- drinking alcohol and smoking;
- Preparation of male patients also includes facial hair removal.
TECHNIQUES
The operation can be performed under appropriate anesthesia.If the curvature affects tissues and structures without involving the bone part, then general anesthesia is not necessary.In this case, local anesthesia is sufficient.When interfering with bony structures, 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 for the correction of the nasal septum stand out.In this case, the traditional use of the scalpel involves removal of the submucosa without external incision.Mechanical scalpel operation is performed in the nasal cavity.An endoscope is used to improve control.
In this way, surface correction of the cartilage or direction of the bony part is possible.Due to the fact that the incisions are only on the mucous membrane inside the nasal passages, the final aesthetic effect is very high.Here there are no visible stitches, and then wounds.
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 the subsequent removal of excessive processes and curvatures.
- Correction by bringing the septum to a state of plasticity by heating it with a laser at a high temperature.It is then mechanically given the desired shape.This method can also be called septochondrocorrection.
Characteristics and advantages of laser technology:
- in this case, local anesthesia is used;
- the low level of complexity of the operation, the duration of which should not last more than half an hour;there are no cuts or deep tissue damage, so the operation is considered bloodless;
- Based on the previous paragraph, it follows 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 further infection and also promotes healing;
- due to the characteristics described above, the rehabilitation period after surgery does not last long and can be performed on an outpatient basis without supervision all the time;
- The aesthetic appearance of the patient during the recovery period does not suffer, as there is no swelling and severe hematomas.
Recovery period
Unlike the gentle nature of laser surgery to correct the nasal septum, classic surgery involves a longer recovery period.Immediately after the operation, he is asked to stay in the hospital to monitor the initial results and to help with the healing process.The period of hospitalization can last up to 10 days.
In the first days, breathing is extremely difficult, which is caused by swelling and the presence of gauze or modern silicone 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 used materials, a complete examination of the nasal passages and septum is performed.Further healing will continue outside the medical facility with periodic visits to the doctor for examination and the use of prescribed medications.Without any complications, performance can be restored at the time of discharge, even if the swelling lasts a little longer.
Possible complications
Possible complications in the postoperative period:
- pain syndrome;
- hematoma and swelling;
- bleeding from the nasal passages;
- violation of the integrity of the septum due to the formation of a transitional channel connecting the nasal passages;
- numbness in the maxillofacial area due to nerve damage during surgery;
- purulent inflammation;
- sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.;
- adhesions in the nasal cavity;
- weakness of smell;
- blood clot formation;
- deformity of the shape of the nose of various types.
To ease the condition during the rehabilitation period and to prevent possible complications, you should follow some rules:
- do not visit baths/saunas and solariums, do not take baths and hot showers;
- do not stay in the sun for a long time;
- do not consume hot foods and drinks.
To avoid unnecessary pressure and damage:
- limit physical activity;
- sleep on your back.
To prevent dry mouth (due to mouth breathing), increasing fluid intake is recommended.You should also use prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medications, and, if necessary, antibiotics.In addition, visit an ENT specialist at the right time.
Depending on the chosen institution, 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 price list of the clinic and the type of operation.In addition, the medical services provided may cost more if a classic operation is performed and the patient continues to stay in the clinic during the rehabilitation period.