If necessary, surgery to correct the nasal septum or septoplasty is performed.An existing septal defect is often associated not only with reduced respiratory function and associated health problems, but also with cosmetic defects.
Who needs surgery?
Septal deviation can occur due to traumatic, physiological or compensatory problems.Conservative drug treatment relieves symptoms, but does not eliminate the cause of their occurrence.The operation is possible if there are no contraindications such as diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological or infectious diseases.In addition, the patient should not have any acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections at the time of surgery.
Patients should undergo surgery if they have the following symptoms:
- there are cosmetic defects - curvature, hump, depression;
- breathing is difficult;
- decreased sense of smell;
- traffic jams are common;
- You constantly feel dry in the nasopharynx;
- during sleep breathing is accompanied by snoring;
- headaches and nosebleeds often occur;
- decreased attention, memory and performance;
- 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 the examination, including with the help of an endoscope.
In some cases, surgery is performed for other health problems.Thus, correction of the nasal septum in people with bronchial diseases (e.g. asthma) ensures a more complete functioning of the respiratory system.
Preparation before surgery
The operation can be carried out after laboratory tests and diagnostic examinations:
- general urine and blood tests;
- biochemical blood test;
- blood test for infections;
- blood test for clotting (coagulogram);
- checking blood sugar levels;
- ECG and fluorography.
The list is expanded by the doctor's decision 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 drugs that affect blood clotting (aspirin, heparin, diclofenac, indomethacin, etc.);
- drinking alcohol and smoking;
- Preparation for male patients also includes facial hair removal.
Techniques
The operation can be carried out under appropriate anesthesia.If the curvature affects tissues and structures without affecting the bone part, general anesthesia is not necessary.In this case, local anesthesia is sufficient.When operating on the bone structures, the operation is carried out under general anesthesia.The method of pain relief can also be complex.
Modern surgery offers various ways to perform an operation.The classic surgical method and laser surgery for correcting the nasal septum stand out here.In this case, traditional use of a scalpel involves resection of the submucosa without external incisions.Mechanical impact is carried out in the nasal cavity with a scalpel.To improve control, an endoscope is used.
In this way, a superficial correction of the cartilage or a straightening of the bone portion is possible.Due to the fact that the incisions are made only on the mucous membrane inside the nasal passages, the final aesthetic effect is very high.There are no visible seams and therefore scars.
Laser septoplasty, as the name suggests, uses a laser.This operation is possible for minor diseases that do not affect the bones.
Laser surgery is performed in two ways:
- Correction of the septum with a laser scalpel, which cuts healthy tissue and then removes excess processes and curvatures.
- Correction by bringing the septum into a plastic state by heating it with a laser to a high temperature.It is then given the desired shape mechanically.This method can also be called septochondrocorrection.
Features and benefits of laser technology:
- in this case local anesthesia is used;
- low complexity of the operation, the duration of which should not be 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 no tampons, tampons or gels are used after the operation;
- The cauterizing and antiseptic effect of the laser guarantees the absence of further infections and also promotes healing;
- Due to the features described above, the rehabilitation period after surgery does not last long and can be carried out on an outpatient basis without round-the-clock supervision;
- The patient's aesthetic appearance during the recovery period does not suffer, since severe swelling and hematomas do not occur.
recovery phase
In contrast to gentle laser surgery to correct the nasal septum, classic surgery requires a longer recovery period.Immediately after the operation, he will have to stay in the hospital to monitor the initial results and support the healing process.The inpatient stay can last up to 10 days.
In the first few days, breathing is extremely difficult, which is caused by swelling and the presence of gauze or modern silicone tampons or a special gel in the nasal passages.It is worth noting that due to their structure, silicone tampons help to restore the functionality of the respiratory system more effectively.
After the materials used have been removed, a thorough examination of the nasal passages and nasal septum is carried out.Further recovery continues outside the medical facility with regular visits to the doctor for examinations and taking prescribed medications.Functionality can be restored until discharge without complications, even if the swelling lasts 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 passageway connecting the nasal passages;
- Numbness in the maxillofacial part due to nerve damage during surgery;
- purulent inflammation;
- sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.;
- adhesions in the nasal cavity;
- dull smell;
- formation of blood clots;
- Deformation of the shape of the nose of various kinds.
To alleviate the condition during the rehabilitation period and prevent possible complications, you must 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 or drinks.
To avoid unnecessary pressure and damage:
- limit physical activity;
- sleep on your back.
To prevent dry mouth (due to mouth breathing), increased fluid intake is recommended.You should also take prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, as well as antibiotics if necessary.Also, visit an ENT doctor on time.
Depending on the chosen institution, the cost of the operation is determined.For many patients, the services of private medical institutions seem to be the most acceptable.Therefore, the price varies depending on the clinic's price list and the type of operation.In addition, medical services may be more expensive if a classic operation is performed and the patient remains in the clinic during the rehabilitation period.