It is an operation that involves straightening of the nasal septum – the structure that separates the two nostrils and may at times be shifted or crooked leading to breathing complications. This article provides information on why septoplasty is done, how it is done, recovery period and the risk that are associated with the procedure.
What is a Deviated Septum?
NASAL SEPTUM: It is the cartilage and bone which is present between the two nostrils and divides the nose into two parts. A deviated septum occurs when this wall is significantly displaced to one side, potentially leading to:A deviated septum occurs when this wall is significantly displaced to one side, potentially leading to:
- Breathing Difficulties: This one of the nasal passages may become smaller and this leads to difficulty in the passage of air.
- Nasal Congestion: It is characterized by nasal blockage frequently or persistently, mostly on one side.
- Frequent Sinus Infections: This channel may also be narrowed hence causing blockages and enhancing the incidences of sinus infection.
- Nosebleeds: Because of changes in air flow, dryness leads to constant nasal hemorrhage.
Why Undergo Septoplasty?
Usually the procedure of septoplasty is advisable when a deviated septum leads to severe symptoms that interfere with the patient’s life. The main goals of the surgery include:The main goals of the surgery include:
- Improving Breathing: Septum is the cartilaginous partition that divides the two nostrils with the goal of rectifying the position of the septum, there is an enhancement of the passage of air through the same.
- Reducing Nasal Congestion: Chronic congestion can be eased to some extent when blockages are removed. ”
- Preventing Sinus Infections: Improved air flow helps one avoid sinus related infections.
- Enhancing Sleep Quality: People with a deviated septum could also suffer from a sleeping disorder like snoring or sleep apnea in which Septoplasty operation could be beneficial.
Visit a Best General Surgeon in Karachi to know more about this surgery.
The Septoplasty Procedure
Septoplasty is usually done under general anesthesia, but could be under local anesthesia with or without sedation. The procedure involves:
- Incision: Minimally invasive surgery involves making a small incision in the internal part of the nose with a view of accessing the septum.
- Reshaping the Septum: These flaps are reshaped and relocated or excised in a procedure to align it to the normal anatomy of the human septum. Surgery may entail the use of scalpel or other surgical instruments to trim or excise a section of the cartilage or bone.
- Stitching: Sutures are then used to stabilize the septum then the wound is sutured. At other times, splints or soft packing are applied on the nose to help support the septum during the healing process.
The surgery generally will require about 30 to 90 minutes, according to the degree of the deviation.
Potential Risks and Complications
While septoplasty is generally safe, it does carry some risks, including:While septoplasty is generally safe, it does carry some risks, including:
- Bleeding: Some bleeding is fine but one needs to seek medical attention in case of excessive bleeding.
- Infection: Although the occurrence is not very common, one is vulnerable to infections.
- Persistent Symptoms: At times, this may not be the case and the child may still experience some degree of breathing through the nose and/or the septum may shift again.
- Change in Nose Shape: Though surgery seldom alters the appearance of the nose, if a great deal of work is done on the septum it might just make a difference.
Conclusion
Septoplasty turns out effectively in managing and perhaps talking, eliminating the problems that result from a deviated septum. If you are having some of the signs of deviated septum, then you should go for an appointment with an ENT specialist and it could be that septoplasty is needed in your case. Provided that these are well-managed, healing is not complicated and this results in sustained freedom from nasal conditions. You can consult a General Surgeon in Lahore to know about more surgery details like cost and expectations.
