Most people suffer from a deviated nasal septum, which can only be noticed when there are health problems that affect the flow of air during breathing or the sound of breathing during sleep. Performing deviated septum surgery may be the only solution to these problems. What is the nasal septum, and how is the procedure performed? This article answers these questions and more.
What is the nasal septum?
The nasal septum is the cartilage in the nose that separates the two nostrils. The nasal septum is usually located in the middle of the nose and divides the nostrils equally. However, in some cases, the nasal septum is not balanced, making one nostril larger than the other. The extreme imbalance between the two nostrils is called a deviated septum, which may cause health problems such as difficulty breathing and nasal obstruction. The American Society of Otolaryngology has stated that 80% of all nasal septums are deviated to some extent, and do not require plastic surgery unless they cause health problems.
Causes of a deviated nasal septum:
A deviated nasal septum may be congenital or acquired due to an injury to the nose, often occurring in car accidents, fights, or sports accidents. A deviated nasal septum may also worsen with age.
What are the symptoms of a deviated septum?
There are usually no symptoms in cases of a mildly deviated nasal septum. However, symptoms may include:
• Difficulty breathing, especially from one side of the nose.
• Bleeding.
• Sinusitis.
• Dryness in one nostril.
• Snoring or breathing loudly during sleep.
• Nasal congestion.
In cases of severe deviated septum, facial pain may occur, and a doctor should be consulted if there is recurrent bleeding, sinusitis, or difficulty breathing affecting the person's quality of life.
Deviated nasal septum surgery:
The process of deviated septum correction is called septoplasty. It aims to correct the deviated cartilaginous nasal septum by replacing the bones and cartilage that divide the nasal openings. The nasal septum is then straightened and repositioned in the middle of the nose. The procedure may require removing parts of the nasal septum before repositioning it. The surgery is performed in a severely deviated nasal septum causing one of the nasal passages to become blocked, reducing airflow, and breathing difficulties through one or both nostrils. This can also cause drying of the air that flows through the nose, leading to nosebleeds or nasal peeling. The surgery corrects the deviation that causes these issues by replacing the cartilage, bone, or both.
Preparing for Septoplasty:
Before the surgery, the doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as what to do before the surgery, including:
• Recording the patient's medical history, health conditions, and medications.
• Examining the nose from the outside, inside, and the nasal skin.
• Taking photographs from multiple angles for comparison after the surgery.
• Discussing the patient's expectations of the surgery.
• Avoiding medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen for 2 weeks before and after the surgery to prevent bleeding.
• Quitting smoking for 6 weeks before and after the surgery.
How is Septoplasty performed?
Before the surgery, the doctor will give the patient medication to reduce discomfort during the surgery. The surgery is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. A small incision may be made in the columella, or the narrow cartilage that separates the nostrils. The nasal mucosal lining that covers the septum is lifted away from the septum on one side.
The mucosal lining and the nasal membrane are carefully lifted away due to their thinness and fragility, which could result in tearing or puncturing. The doctor then corrects the deviated nasal septum, repositions it, and aligns it. Then the mucosal lining is returned to the nose and sewn together.
The doctor may remove the cartilage, bone, or both, and make an incision inside the nose. Small incisions may also be made between the nostrils or in the internal nasal bones if they have fused or are pressing on one side of the nasal septum. Finally, the doctor places silicone splints to support the nose, which can be removed after the surgery. The stitches used may dissolve over time.
Recovery after Septoplasty:
After undergoing septoplasty, the doctor may recommend some precautions for several weeks to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling, including:
• Avoid strenuous activities such as exercise and running to reduce the risk of hypertension, which could lead to bleeding.
• Avoid nose scratching.
• Raise the head during sleep.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing, such as woolen sweaters.
Risks of Septoplasty:
Septoplasty carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, negative reactions to anesthesia, and other risks including:
• Nasal blockage.
• Severe bleeding.
• Change in the shape of the nose.
• Decreased sense of smell.
• Perforation of the nasal septum.
• Formation of blood clots that cause nasal blockage.
• Temporary numbness in the upper jaw or upper teeth.
• Need for further corrective surgery.
• Weak healing of surgical incisions.
• Continued symptoms of a deviated nasal septum despite surgery.
Results of the Surgery:
Although the results are generally stable, the cartilage and tissues may gradually move or change shape over time. However, the nasal tissues remain relatively stable 3 to 6 months after surgery, and changes can occur up to a year or more after surgery. The surgery improves symptoms of a deviated nasal septum, such as difficulty breathing, but the level of improvement varies from person to person.
In some cases, if symptoms persist even after surgery, another corrective surgery can be performed to improve the condition of the nasal septum.
And now, dear reader, after we know how the septoplasty is performed and why, we hope that we have answered all your questions and inquiries, and for more inquiries and questions, you can contact Dr. Wael Ghanem Center.
