Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to\ncorrect a deviated septum. When the bone and cartilage making up the septum \u2013\nthe wall that divides your nostrils \u2013 is crooked, it causes obstruction of the\nnasal airways and makes breathing difficult. This can lead to nosebleeds,\nsnoring, sleep apnea and chronic sinusitis. Surgery to straighten the septum\ncan eliminate these conditions and improve your quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Very few people have a perfectly straight septum.\nIt can be deviated at birth or naturally bend to one side or another during\nchildhood and puberty. Trauma or injury, such as a broken nose, can also cause\na deviated septum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In determining whether you are a candidate for\nseptoplasty, your doctor will examine your nasal passages and discuss your\nmedical history, especially the symptoms you are experiencing as a result of\nyour deviated septum. Typically, septoplasty is not performed unless other\nmethods to treat your breathing problems are unsuccessful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Septoplasty is generally performed in an\noutpatient surgery center using either local or general anesthesia, and should\ntake 60 to 90 minutes. Your surgeon will reposition the septum by trimming and\nstraightening the bent cartilage and bone, working through the nostrils. The\nincisions are stitched shut with absorbable thread, and silicone splints are\noften placed inside the nostrils to keep the septum straight as it heals.\nPacking may be placed in your nostrils to prevent bleeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Afterward, you\u2019ll be given instructions that\nwill help prevent swelling and bleeding. You\u2019ll want to avoid blowing your nose,\nlimit strenuous activities and elevate your head while sleeping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms improve in the majority of people\nundergoing this procedure, and complications are rare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Endoscopic septoplasty is a minimally invasive\nalternative to traditional surgery to correct a deviated septum. This\ncamera-guided surgical procedure offers excellent visualization of cartilage and\nbone, and allows for a targeted approach at correcting deformities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Endoscopic septoplasty is less invasive than\nthe conventional procedure. It offers better visualization under direct light,\nimproved access for additional nasal surgeries, reduced blood loss, less\npostoperative swelling and pain, easier posterior septal spur correction\n(difficult to reach and often missed during conventional surgery), a lower risk\nof septal perforation and hematoma and eliminates the need for nasal packing\n(in most cases). These benefits translate to a shorter hospital stay, less\ntroublesome recovery period, and a quicker return to normal activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is especially helpful in revision surgeries where nasal obstructions persist; endoscopic septoplasty allows the surgeon to take a guided approach at making the necessary corrections, which often prove technically challenging otherwise. It\u2019s generally less expensive than a conventional septoplasty. Your surgeon will best be able to determine whether endoscopic septoplasty will benefit you.<\/p>\n\n\n