Based on statistics, 80% of the population have a curved nasal septum. In some cases, this causes tangible discomfort and difficulty breathing. In such a situation, septoplasty is simply necessary. This is a surgical operation, the purpose of which is to change the shape of the nasal septum.
Its main difference from rhinoplasty (changes in the external shape of the nose) is that it is performed solely for medical reasons.
What is septoplasty
So, septoplasty is an operation by which the shape of the nasal septum is corrected. As a result, the patient recovers nasal breathing. In addition, he gets rid of various problems caused by ENT diseases, which were provoked by a deformed septum of the nose.
During the operation, only correction of the septum is performed, the nose after septoplasty does not change at all. Although there are possible options for combining septoplasty with rhinoplasty.
Types of Septoplasty
Septoplasty of the nose can be performed in two ways: endoscopic or using laser technology.
It is worth considering separately each of the options.
1. Endoscopic septoplasty . Most customers prefer this particular type of procedure.
Since the operation (septoplasty) is done on the nasal mucosa, after it there are no external traces in the form of scars.
If the deformation of the nasal septum did not occur due to physical injuries, during the operation its integrity is fully preserved. In this case, only the removal of those tissue fragments that prevent the nasal septum from acquiring a vertical position is carried out.
The operation lasts approximately 30-40 minutes. If by this time we add the preparation of the patient and the introduction of anesthesia, then in general the whole process will take no more than one hour.
Endoscopic septoplasty is performed using anesthesia, which can be local, general or combined. After the operation, a rehabilitation period follows.
2. Laser septoplasty. Already from the very name of the procedure it becomes clear that this type of operation is carried out using a laser beam.
Laser septoplasty is done under local anesthesia and lasts within 20-30 minutes. Unlike the previous view, changing the shape of the septum using a laser beam is a practically non-traumatic and bloodless procedure. Rehabilitation after it is very quick and completely painless. In addition, the patient after this type of operation does not need to be in the hospital or use tight tampons for the nose (turunda).
Unfortunately, laser septoplasty is not the method that is suitable for absolutely everyone. It has some contraindications and is completely ineffective in cases of deformation not only of cartilage, but also of other tissues.
Indications for septoplasty
The main reason you need to see a surgeon for septoplasty is difficulty breathing.
In addition, a curved nasal septum can provoke the following unpleasant sensations and diseases:
- swelling of the mucosa and, as a result, the possible occurrence of allergic rhinitis;
- inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis);
- regular nosebleeds;
- high vulnerability to colds;
- snore;
- noise during breathing;
- frequent headaches.
Deformation of the nasal septum in some cases can cause a distortion of the shape of the nose or the appearance of humps.
It must be remembered that the growth and alteration of the cartilaginous tissues of the nasal septum lasts up to 21 years of age. Therefore, until then, surgical interventions are not performed to avoid possible repeated operations.
Contraindications to septoplasty
Septoplasty of the nasal septum is prohibited in cases of:
- if the patient is less than 21 years old;
- if the patient has diabetes mellitus or other diseases during which blood coagulation worsens;
- the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- the presence of cancer;
- the presence of infectious diseases, especially during their exacerbation.
The cost of the procedure and what is included in it
The price of the issue may vary depending on the complexity of the operation, the degree of deformation of the nasal septum, the type of anesthesia used and the time spent in the hospital after the procedure.
For example, the cost of correction of a small congenital curvature will be within 50 thousand rubles. In cases of septum curvature as a result of injuries and fractures, the price of an operation may increase by two or even three times.
Therefore, before performing the operation, you should definitely discuss this issue with your surgeon.
Typically, the cost of the operation includes:
- preparatory examination (passing tests, consultations with necessary specialists, etc.);
- the cost of the operation itself (septoplasty);
- use of anesthesia;
- time spent in the hospital during the rehabilitation period;
- processing and ligation of the nose in the postoperative period.
Preparation for the operation and its procedure
Before the operation, the doctor prescribes a series of examinations to the patient and sends for the necessary tests. In most cases, these are:
- fluorography;
- electrocardiogram (ECG);
- consultation with an ENT doctor (otolaryngologist);
- general blood and urine tests;
- blood coagulation test;
- blood test for hepatitis, HIV and syphilis;
- blood chemistry.
The operation itself consists of several stages.
Firstly, it is the preparation of the patient. At this stage, the necessary type of anesthesia is introduced.
The second stage is the operation itself. First, small incisions are made in the nasal mucosa, after which the doctor proceeds to exfoliate the soft tissues and cut off the deformed sections of the cartilage tissue. This is followed by straightening of the nasal septum by displacement of cartilage or bone fragments.
The third stage is the final one. During it, self-absorbable sutures are applied to the incisions , and plaster or a special fixing bandage is applied to the nose itself. In this case (in the case of endoscopic septoplasty), tight turunds are inserted into the nasal passages, which will be removed no earlier than 24 hours after the operation, and in some cases this period can be extended to 72 hours.
Laser septoplasty is distinguished by the fact that it is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require suturing, the use of turundum and the recovery period in a hospital.
Rehabilitation period after surgery
So, a surgical procedure called "septoplasty" has been successfully completed. After the operation, a short rehabilitation period follows.
During the first 2-3 postoperative days, special fixing tampons are located in the nose, due to which the patient has to breathe exclusively through the mouth for some time. Therefore, dry mouth, fever, and severe headaches may occur these days.
Swelling of the nose, which appears after surgery and causes discomfort, as well as difficulty breathing, usually disappears after 7-10 days.
All the consequences of septoplasty completely disappear after about two weeks, but physical activity should be abandoned for a period of at least one month.
Complications after surgery
Septoplasty is a very simple operation, so the likelihood of complications after it is minimal.
Usually, complications manifest themselves in the form of bleeding and infectious diseases that develop against their background. To avoid this, one should not forget that some drugs may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, before septoplasty, it is necessary to consult a doctor and inform him about what medicines the patient is taking now or was taking shortly before going to the clinic.
Very rarely there are cases of changes in the external shape of the nose or damage to nerve endings after septoplasty. In order to protect yourself from this, it is important to contact only trusted, highly qualified doctors who will not allow such blunders.
Septoplasty surgery: patient reviews
As you know, before buying this or that prescribed drug, people look for information about it, and not from the manufacturer, but from those who have already experienced the effect of the drug on themselves. Operations are no exception. Before resorting to this or that method, many are interested in the opinion of "experienced" patients. What do people say about the method of correction of deformation of the nasal septum that we are discussing?
Judging by the reviews, for many, septoplasty is a real "lifeline" that helps get rid of many problems. Satisfied patients talk about noticeable improvements that are observed immediately after the end of the rehabilitation period. It becomes much easier to breathe through the nose, snoring disappears, chronic diseases that were triggered by the curvature of the septum (in particular sinusitis) disappear.
The operation itself, according to patients, is completely painless, both under general and local anesthesia. The only thing, in the case of local anesthesia, the procedure is a bit unpleasant, since you have to sit for about half an hour in the same position, and even hear a crunch in your own nose.
Of the minuses, only the rehabilitation period is noted, which is accompanied by discomfort, headaches and painful injections of antibiotics.
Although in the end, of course, it's worth it. After all, it is easier to endure temporary inconveniences than to suffer all my life from a constant lack of air and chronic diseases that arose against this background. Be healthy!