How is the surgery to correct the nasal septum?

Defects of the nasal septum are a common pathology in children and adults and require radical (surgical) treatment. This pathology is not life threatening, but it is a pronounced cosmetic defect. Correction of the nasal septum (septoplasty) is carried out according to strict indications.

Varieties and causes of septal defects

There are the following types of defects:

1. Curvature. A condition in which the nasal septum deviates from a straight axis. This pathology is a common cause of chronic rhinitis, difficulty breathing, sinusitis, and tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). Curvature is physiological (congenital), traumatic and compensatory (against the background of polyps), S-shaped, horizontal, C-shaped, vertical, front or back.
2. Perforation. With this pathology, a through hole is formed in the cartilage tissue. The pathology occurs as a result of the rupture of the pericartilage tissue and the detachment of the submucosa.
3. The backrest sinks. Occurs against the background of trauma and abscess. It is characterized by flattening of the bone tissue and shortening of the back.

The most common causes of a deviated nasal septum are:

1. Injuries (bruises, falls). The risk group includes men and boys. Athletes (boxers, karate fighters, wrestlers, mixed martial arts fighters) are more prone to injuries. The defect develops with a strong impact, against the background of which the osteochondral plate is displaced. Deformities often occur when there is improper adhesion after a fracture.
2. Abnormal growth of the bones of the skull. The large size of the nasal cavity encourages the septum to flex, which is a compensatory response.
3. Rare anomalies (strong development of the Jacobson rudiment). Limits the space for the growth and development of the septum.
4. Chronic unilateral rhinitis. Unilateral nasal congestion can cause a curvature.
5. Tumors.
6. Abscesses.
7. Hypertrophy (proliferation) of the sinuses.
8. Complicated inheritance (curvature of the nose in the parents).
9. Polyps.

External manifestations and internal symptoms

When a person has a crooked nasal septum, the following symptoms are possible:

1. Injury to breathing through the nose. It can be so light and heavy that a person only breathes through their mouth. The absence of this symptom does not rule out the presence of a defect.
2. Chronic rhinitis. It occurs as a result of impaired ventilation and the multiplication of microbes.
3. Frequent allergic reactions.
4. Traffic jam.
5. Swelling of the mucous membrane.
6. A headache. It occurs against the background of congestion, complications in the form of sinusitis (sinusitis), increased pressure on the mucous membrane and irritation of the receptors.
7. Common episodes of ARVI. Manifested by coughing, sneezing, fever.
8. Dry mucous membranes.
9. Nosebleeds.
10. Sleep apnea. Respiratory arrest in sleep.
11. Snoring.
12. Sleep disorder.
13. Asthenic manifestations in the form of decreased performance, lethargy, weakness. The reason is lack of oxygen.
14. Change in the shape of the nose (deviation, depression of the back).
15. Deterioration in attention and memory.

Symptoms such as coughing, sweating, reduced sense of smell, tinnitus, dryness, nourishment, changes in facial expressions (open mouth, changed bite) are less common.

Diagnosing the severity of the defect

The following studies can help you identify the defect and its severity:

1. Computed tomography (detects thorns, combs and related diseases).
2. MRI. It is done when a neoplasm is suspected.
3. Rhinoscopy (examination of the nasal cavity).
4. Endoscopy. A tube with a camera is used.
5. Rhinometry (change in air flows and the degree of congestion disruption).
6. Visual inspection.

In addition, analyzes (allergy tests, bacteriological smear tests, clinical blood tests) and a survey are carried out.

Treatment methods

The defect can only be eliminated through surgery. The operation is called a rhinoplasty. Conservative therapy is ineffective.

Which doctors to contact

If you have symptoms of a septal defect, you should see an ENT (ENT) doctor. You may also need to consult a surgeon.

Conservative treatment

Conservative treatment is aimed at eliminating edema and symptoms (runny nose, constipation). Saline solutions, vasoconstrictor sprays, and drops can be used. Laser therapy is often performed.

Surgical intervention (septoplasty)

Septoplasty is a surgical correction of the nasal septum. Most often it is done endoscopically without incisions using a monitor and camera. Its advantages include:

• rapid rehabilitation;
• Efficiency;
• Simplicity;
• minimal blood loss and trauma;
• the presence of an antiseptic effect (when using a laser).

The method of resection or septochondroprotection is used less often. Before the septoplasty, the degree of difficulty of nasal breathing and the age of the patient are taken into account.

Indications for an operation

Indications for a nose operation are:

• Difficulty breathing;
• the presence of chronic rhinitis;
• Ear infection;
• strong headache;
• pronounced cosmetic defect;
• Sinusitis;
• profuse snoring;
• regular nosebleeds.

Contraindications to the operation

Surgical correction of the nasal septum is contraindicated:

• elderly patients,
• with haemophilia (bleeding disorder),
• severe heart disease,
• mental disorders
• Diabetes,
• Cancer,
• severe forms of infection,
• arterial hypertension,
• during the flowering period of plants (with allergies),
• during pregnancy,
• Breastfeeding the baby.

Prepare for septoplasty

The straightening of the nose is carried out after tests (for HIV, syphilis, coagulograms), consultation with a specialist (therapist, ENT doctor, anesthetist), premedication and anesthesia.

The evening before, it is recommended to eat and clean the intestines no later than 6 p. m.

It is important to disinfect the oral cavity (to cure all diseases, including a sore throat, rhinitis, pharyngitis).

For women, it is recommended to restore the correct shape of the nose 2 weeks after menstruation.

Features of the postoperative period

After the operation to correct the nasal septum, it is necessary to:

• wear cotton turundas in the nose for 1-2 days;
• Taking antibiotics for prophylactic purposes;
• observed by a doctor (a specialist should rinse the nose, cleanse it from crusts and blood).

Prohibitions during the rehabilitation period

After the rhinoplasty, it is recommended:

• avoid high loads;
• refuse to visit baths and saunas;
• Do not pick your nose;
• do not overcool;
• Exclude pressure and temperature drops (refusal to fly, ascent, swimming).

The effectiveness of the surgical procedure

Photos of people before and after the operation differ dramatically.

Removing the defect eliminates the cosmetic defect and all symptoms, and makes breathing easier.

The efficiency reaches 95-100%.

Complications after correction of the nasal septum

Correction of the nasal septum at the current stage of development of medicine, the operation is easy. But there can still be post-operative complications.

The consequences of the operation can be adhesions, tissue fusion, hematoma or abscess formation, infections, anesthetic allergies, damage to the ethmoid bone, decreased sense of smell, perforation, visual disturbances and nerve damage.