Definition
Septoplasty is surgery to correct the deviated Nasal Septum (DNS), the wall inside the nose that separates both the nasal cavities.
Alternative Names
Nasal septum repair
Description
This surgery can be done under both general and local anaesthesia. If done under general anaesthesia, you will be unconscious and unable to feel pain. Some have the surgery under local anesthesia, which numbs the area to block pain. You will stay awake if you have local anesthesia. Surgery takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Patients usually go home the same day.
Your surgeon will make a cut inside the wall on one side of your nose.
* The mucus membrane lining that covers the wall will be lifted up.
* Then your surgeon will remove or move any cartilage or bone that is causing the blockage in the area.
* After this, your surgeon will put the mucus membrane lining back in place. This membrane will be held in place by stitches, splints, or packing material.
Risks
Risks for any surgery are:
* Allergic reactions to medicines
* Breathing problems
* Heart problems
* Bleeding
* Infection
Risks for this surgery are:
* Return of the nasal blockage. This would require another surgery.
* Scarring
* A perforation, or hole, in the septum wall
* Changes in skin sensation
* Unevenness in the appearance of the nose
* Skin discoloration
* Fluid buildup in the nose
Final words:
By large, this is commonly performed procedure by ENT surgeons and should be uneventful. This surgery will not remove the cause of your allergy but simply helps to ease out your nasal breathing in a mechanical way.
