
In this plain English guide to septoplasty surgery for a deviated septum, we cover everything you need to know about this common surgical procedure:
Let’s get into it!
What is Septoplasty Surgery?
Septoplasty surgery is the most-commonly performed surgical procedure to improve the nasal airway. It may be required in individuals with deviated nasal septum as a result of trauma, deformation from birth, or severe nasal infections.1Gandomi B, Bayat A, Kazemei T. Outcomes of septoplasty in young adults: the Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness study. American journal of otolaryngology. 2010 May 1;31(3):189-92.
Septoplasty Procedure Steps
The steps that are followed during a septoplasty procedure are:2Shah J, Roxbury CR, Sindwani R. Techniques in Septoplasty: Traditional Versus Endoscopic Approaches. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018;51(5):909-917.
The anesthesia is injected into the nose to numb the area.
Using a blade, an incision (cut) is made on the mucosa (inner skin) of the nose through the nostril at the lower portion of the septum.
Following this, skin covering the septum is lifted and septum is exposed.
Cartilaginous and bony bents on the septum are identified and cut using an instrument.
The soft tissue is stitched back on the septum.
Effectiveness of Septoplasty
Studies show that septoplasty results in significant improvement in the symptoms associated with deviated septum, and within 3 months of the surgery, leads to a reduction in the use of medication to overcome the symptoms.3Stewart MG, Smith TL, Weaver EM, Witsell DL, Yueh B, Hannley MT, Johnson JT. Outcomes after nasal septoplasty: results from the Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) study. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004 Mar;130(3):283-90.
This leads to overall improvement in the quality of life and higher satisfaction levels.
Research suggests that the success rate of the septoplasty varies from 65-83%. Younger individuals with a complain of nasal obstruction are more likely to benefit from the surgery.4Siegel, N. S., Gliklich, R. E., Taghizadeh, F., & Chang, Y. (2000). Outcomes of septoplasty. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 122(2), 228–232.
What to Expect After Septoplasty Surgery?
After the septoplasty procedure, patients can expect the following symptoms:5Bernardo MT, Alves S, Lima NB, Helena D, Condé A. Septoplasty with or without postoperative nasal packing? Prospective study. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Aug;79(4):471-4. English, Portuguese.
- Post-surgery, the patient may feel uneasy due to the dressing and packing in nostrils. This packing is to stop post-surgery bleeding. The patient needs to breathe through the mouth until it is removed.
- Mild oozing of blood can be expected from the nose after the surgery. A drip pad is placed underneath the nose to absorb bloody discharge from nose. In case of heavy bleeding one can immediately contact the surgeon.
Septoplasty Surgery Recovery
To recover from septoplasty surgery, patients are advised to follow these instructions:6Simpson JC. Postoperative Care of The Patient After Nasal Surgery
Precautions After Septoplasty Surgery
After the septoplasty procedure, patients should follow these precautions:7Simpson JC. Postoperative Care of The Patient After Nasal Surgery
- Do not blow nose for at least a week. Post one week, try to blow nose gently, without any excessive pressure.
- Avoid sneezing with mouth closed. Keep mouth open while sneezing.
- Due to nasal packing, breathing through the mouth is recommended.
Septoplasty Pain After Surgery
Most patients report feeling moderate pain after the septoplasty surgery. The patient may complain of pain in the nose and the surrounding facial areas. Intake of analgesics (pain killers) and avoiding straining of nose, application of cold packs, and keeping head in elevated position can reduce the discomfort.8Ketcham, A. S., & Han, J. K. (2010). Complications and Management of Septoplasty. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 43(4), 897–904.
Septoplasty Surgery Side Effects
Potential side effects of septoplasty surgery include….9Bloom, J. D., Kaplan, S. E., Bleier, B. S., & Goldstein, S. A. (2009). Septoplasty Complications: Avoidance and Management. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 42(3), 463–481.
When deciding whether or not to have this procedure done for your deviated septum, consider these pros and cons:
Pros of Septoplasty:10Baumann I. Quality of life before and after septoplasty and rhinoplasty. GMS current topics in otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery. 2010;9.
Cons of Septoplasty:11Ketcham, A. S., & Han, J. K. (2010). Complications and Management of Septoplasty. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 43(4), 897–904.
Septoplasty Surgery Videos
Here are some excellent videos that show the septoplasty procedure:
Frequently Asked Questions – Septoplasty Surgery
Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions related to septoplasty surgery:
It is the most-commonly performed nasal surgery with minor procedures compared to other surgeries. Considering its risk factors, we can label it as a major surgery.
Depending on the complexity of the condition, it takes 1- 1.5 hours to complete a septoplasty surgery.
Complete recovery from septoplasty may take about 6 weeks. Patients can resume their work within 7-10 days.12Baumann I. Quality of life before and after septoplasty and rhinoplasty. GMS current topics in otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery. 2010;9.
The average cost of the conventional septoplasty procedure ranges between USD 6,000-30,000. The cost varies according to local standards, complexity of the nose to be operated, surgeon’s expertise, reputation, clinical experience, and operating room’s fees.13Cost of Septoplasty - 2020 Healthcare Costs
Infection is common in septoplasty and the signs can include systemic changes such as change in blood pressure and heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, skin discoloration, and multiple systemic complaints.14Bloom, J. D., Kaplan, S. E., Bleier, B. S., & Goldstein, S. A. (2009). Septoplasty Complications: Avoidance and Management. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 42(3), 463–481.
Frequently Asked Questions – Septoplasty Splints
Nasal splints are commonly placed in the nose after septoplasty surgery in order to stabilize the healing septum. As a result, many people have questions about splints. We answer the most common questions below:
After the septoplasty, internal splints are placed along the septum in each nostril for 1-2 weeks after the surgery. The splints help stabilize the treated septum and compress the septum to help reduce bleeding related complications.16Bloom, J. D., Kaplan, S. E., Bleier, B. S., & Goldstein, S. A. (2009). Septoplasty Complications: Avoidance and Management. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 42(3), 463–481.
Intranasal splints may be placed for 1-15 days after the septoplasty surgery.17Bloom, J. D., Kaplan, S. E., Bleier, B. S., & Goldstein, S. A. (2009). Septoplasty Complications: Avoidance and Management. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 42(3), 463–481.
It takes 15-25 weeks for the splint to dissolve.18Lau, J., Elhassan, H. A., & Singh, N. (2018). History of intranasal splints. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 132(03), 198–201.
Yes, they can fall out. If the patient sneezes vigorously within 1-2 days of the surgery then there are chances of the splint falling out
It is common for the splints to get clogged with dried blood shortly after surgery which can create significant congestion and pressure.
To relieve congestion, hydrogen peroxide can be used with a Q tip to clean both sides of the splint. The use of saline sprays may also help loosen up blockage. In case of excessive discomfort, the patient should consult a doctor.19Simpson JC. Postoperative Care of The Patient After Nasal Surgery
Removal of internal nasal splints can cause discomfort and pain. Research suggests that removal of internal nasal splints within 24 hours are less painful.20Simpson JC. Postoperative Care of The Patient After Nasal Surgery
There will be a slight discomfort or bleeding while removing the nasal splints.21Bloom, J. D., Kaplan, S. E., Bleier, B. S., & Goldstein, S. A. (2009). Septoplasty Complications: Avoidance and Management. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 42(3), 463–481.
Sources:
- 1Gandomi B, Bayat A, Kazemei T. Outcomes of septoplasty in young adults: the Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness study. American journal of otolaryngology. 2010 May 1;31(3):189-92.
- 2Shah J, Roxbury CR, Sindwani R. Techniques in Septoplasty: Traditional Versus Endoscopic Approaches. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018;51(5):909-917.
- 3Stewart MG, Smith TL, Weaver EM, Witsell DL, Yueh B, Hannley MT, Johnson JT. Outcomes after nasal septoplasty: results from the Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) study. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004 Mar;130(3):283-90.
- 4Siegel, N. S., Gliklich, R. E., Taghizadeh, F., & Chang, Y. (2000). Outcomes of septoplasty. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 122(2), 228–232.
- 5Bernardo MT, Alves S, Lima NB, Helena D, Condé A. Septoplasty with or without postoperative nasal packing? Prospective study. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Aug;79(4):471-4. English, Portuguese.
- 6Simpson JC. Postoperative Care of The Patient After Nasal Surgery
- 7Ketcham, A. S., & Han, J. K. (2010). Complications and Management of Septoplasty. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 43(4), 897–904.
- 8Bloom, J. D., Kaplan, S. E., Bleier, B. S., & Goldstein, S. A. (2009). Septoplasty Complications: Avoidance and Management. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 42(3), 463–481.
- 9Baumann I. Quality of life before and after septoplasty and rhinoplasty. GMS current topics in otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery. 2010;9.
- 10Cost of Septoplasty - 2020 Healthcare Costs - CostHelper
- 11Lau, J., Elhassan, H. A., & Singh, N. (2018). History of intranasal splints. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 132(03), 198–201.
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