Definition
Definition
Septoplasty is a surgery to straighten a deviated septum. The septum is the wall dividing the left and right nasal cavities. It is made of cartilage and bone and is lined with a thin mucus membrane.
A normal septum is straight and in the center of the nose. A deviated septum is bent or off-center. Septal deviation may occur during fetal development, during birth, as your nose grows, or after a traumatic injury. Septoplasty may be done at the same time as other nasal surgery, like rhinoplasty.
Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
Septoplasty is considered if a deviated septum obstructs your nasal passages. The obstruction can cause impaired nasal breathing, sinus infections, obstructive sleep apnea, recurrent nose bleeds, or a runny nose. A deviated septum may also need to be corrected with septoplasty if it causes chronic headaches.
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Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Numbness in the tip of the nose or upper front teeth
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Septal perforation—a hole in the septum
- No improvement in symptoms
- Poor cosmetic outcome
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications, such as:
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
To prepare for surgery, follow any instructions provided by your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about your medications, including vitamins, herbs, or dietary supplements. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.
- If you are having local anesthesia for the procedure, it is likely that no other special preparation is needed. If you will be having general anesthesia, your doctor will give you additional instructions.
Anesthesia
Septoplasty can be done using local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia will numb the area. General anesthesia will put you to sleep.
Description of the Procedure
An incision will be made inside the nose. The lining of the septum will be lifted up and out of the way. The bent bone or cartilage will be straightened by moving it, reshaping it, or cutting off the bent piece. After the repair is done, the lining will be replaced over the top of the septum. Gauze may be placed in the nose to soak up any blood. A plastic splint may also be inserted to keep the septum in place while it heals.
How Long Will It Take?
About 1 to 1-½ hours
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
Average Hospital Stay
Most people leave the care center after 3-4 hours.
Postoperative Care
At the Care Center
During your stay, the care center staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:
- Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same
- Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
- Not allowing others to touch your incision
At Home
If nasal packing is used, it is removed 1-2 days after the surgery. The splint remains in the nose for up to a week. After the surgery, do the following to ensure a smooth recovery:
- Try to breathe through your mouth for the first few days.
- Do not blow your nose, even though you may be stuffy after the procedure.
- Keep your head elevated when lying down for the first 1-2 days.
- Apply ice packs to your nose to reduce pain and swelling.
- Do not take aspirin products for pain.
- Your doctor may want to see you for a follow-up visit to monitor healing or to remove the gauze packing or splint.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the care center. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
- Heavy bleeding
- Packing from your nose falls into the back of your throat, causing discomfort
- Persistent nausea and/or vomiting
- Vomit that is bloody or the color of coffee grounds
- Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
The American Rhinologic Society http://www.american-rhinologic.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
References:
http://www.entnet.org/content/deviated-septum
Accessed May 23, 2014.
Deviated septum. Cedars-Sinai website. Available at:
http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Deviated-Septum.aspx
Accessed May 23, 2013.
Deviated septum in children. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh website. Available at:
http://chp.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Search/90,P02062
Updated May 27, 2012. Accessed May 23, 2014.
6/3/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.
Last Updated: 5/23/2014