If indicated, surgery to correct the nasal septum or septoplasty is performed.The existing septal defect is often accompanied not only by reduced respiratory function and related health problems, but also by cosmetic defects.
Who needs surgery
A deviated septum can occur due to traumatic, physiological, or compensatory problems.Conservative medical treatment relieves the symptoms, but does not solve the cause of their appearance.The operation is possible if there are no contraindications such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological or infectious diseases.In addition, during the operation, 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 traffic jams occur;
- you constantly feel dryness in the nasopharynx;
- during sleep breathing is accompanied by snoring;
- frequent headaches and nosebleeds occur;
- reduced attention, memory and productivity;
- respiratory allergies occur.
In this case, the listed signs are identified in a complex, and the need for surgical correction of the curvature is decided jointly by the patient and the otolaryngologist after an examination, including with the help of an endoscope.
In some cases, surgery is performed for other health problems.Thus, correcting the septum in the nose in people with bronchial diseases (for example, asthma) ensures a more complete functioning of the respiratory system.
Preparation before surgery
The operation can be performed after laboratory tests and diagnostic tests:
- general tests of urine and blood;
- biochemical blood test;
- blood test for infections;
- blood test for coagulation (coagulogram);
- checking blood sugar levels;
- ECG and fluorography.
The list is expanded at the doctor's discretion if there are appropriate 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 clotting (aspirin, heparin, diclofenac, indomethacin, etc.);
- drinking alcohol and smoking;
- Preparation of male patients also includes removal of facial hair.
Techniques
The operation can be performed under appropriate anesthesia.If the distortion affects tissues and structures without affecting the bony part, then general anesthesia is not necessary.In this case, local anesthesia is sufficient.In case of intervention in bone structures, the operation is performed under general anesthesia.The pain relief method can also be complicated.
Modern surgery offers several ways to perform an operation.Here, the classic surgical method and laser surgery for correction of the nasal septum stand out.In this case, the traditional use of a scalpel involves resection of the submucosa without external incisions.In the nasal cavity, mechanical action is performed with a scalpel.An endoscope is used to improve control.
In this way, surface correction of the cartilage or straightening 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.There are no visible stitches here, and subsequently no scars.
Laser septoplasty, as the name suggests, involves the use of a laser.This operation is possible in the presence of mild disorders that do not affect the bones.
Laser surgery is performed in two ways:
- Correction of the septum using a laser scalpel that cuts the healthy tissue for subsequent removal of excess processes and distortions.
- Correction by bringing the partition into a state of plasticity by heating with a laser to a high temperature.It is then mechanically shaped into the desired shape.This method can also be called septochondrocorrection.
Features and advantages of laser technology:
- in this case, local anesthesia is used;
- low level of complexity of the operation, the duration of which should not take more than half an hour;there are no incisions or deep tissue damage, so the operation is considered bloodless;
- Based on the previous paragraph, it follows that tampons, tourniquets or gel are not used after surgery;
- the cauterizing and at the same time antiseptic effect of the laser ensures the absence of further infection and also promotes healing;
- due to the characteristics described above, the rehabilitation period after the operation does not last long and can be performed on an outpatient basis without round-the-clock monitoring;
- The aesthetic appearance of the patient during the recovery period does not suffer, as there are no severe swellings and 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 must stay in the hospital to monitor the initial results and to support the healing process.The inpatient period can last up to 10 days.
In the first days, breathing is extremely difficult, which is due to 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 restore the functionality of the respiratory system more effectively.
After removing the used materials, a thorough examination of the nasal passages and septum is performed.Further recovery will continue outside of the treatment facility with periodic visits to the doctor for review and use of prescribed medications.Without any complications, work can be restored by the time of discharge, even if the swelling takes a little longer.
Possible complications
Possible complications in the postoperative period:
- pain syndrome;
- hematomas and swelling;
- bleeding from the nasal passages;
- violation of the integrity of the septum due to the formation of a passage 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;
- dulling of smell;
- blood clot formation;
- deformation of the shape of the nose of various types.
To alleviate the condition during the rehabilitation period and prevent possible complications, you should follow several rules:
- do not visit baths / saunas and solariums, do not take hot baths and showers;
- do not stay in the sun for a long time;
- do not consume hot food and drinks.
To avoid unnecessary pressure and damage:
- limiting physical activity;
- sleep on your back.
Increased fluid intake is recommended to prevent dry mouth (due to mouth breathing).You should also use prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications and, if necessary, antibiotics.In addition, visit an ENT specialist in a timely manner.
Depending on the chosen institution, the price of the operation is determined.For many patients, the services of private medical facilities 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.