What is Septoplasty ?
Septoplasty is performed to straighten the shape of the septum (cartilage) and bones. The septum (cartilage) is between the two nostrils. The purpose is to correct the deformities and defects of the cartilage (septum). The septum in adults is partly composed of bone and partly of cartilage.
The deviations of the septum can either due to an injury or can be present from the birth (congenital). In some people there are no symptoms due to deviated septa. Only the severe septa produces important symptoms that require surgical treatments. The surgical procedure of Septoplasty is performed along with a Rhinoplasty for cosmetic uses.
Diagnosis for Septoplasty
- Turbinate surgery
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Nasal air passage obstruction
- Tumor excision
- Headaches due to septal spurs
- Uncontrolled nosebleeds
- Chronic sinusitis associated with a deviated septum
- Nasal septal deformity
- Polypectomy
Candidates for Septoplasty
- Candidates having unstoppable nosebleeds
- Candidates having bent, deformed or crooked nasal septum which is blocking the airway in the nose.
- Candidates who want to repair the hole in the nasal septum
Septoplasty Procedure
- The procedure is performed under general or local anesthesia.
- The covering of the mucous tissue is lifted in order to see the cartilage and bone easily. This is done by making an incision inside the nostril. Then the surgeon reshapes or removes the deviated parts of the cartilage and the bone. The enough non-deviated cartilage and bone is left in order to maintain the shape the shape of the nose. After this, the incision is stitched and closed.
- To reduce the chances of scar tissue formation and also to heal the septum, the surgeon either uses the splints or soft plastic sheets. These are carefully placed inside the nose. Sometimes packing is used to avoid bleeding.
- The surgery takes about 1-3 hours to complete. The surgeon will let the patient know when the splints and packing have to be removed. The patients are discharged when the effect of anesthesia is completely stopped.
- Turbinate reduction surgery may also be required by some patients while performing Septoplasty surgery.
- No cutting is involved in the procedure as the process is done totally from the nostrils. Due to this reason, the patients can go home on the same day after the surgery.
Benefits of Septoplasty
- The surgery takes about 45-60 minutes to complete
- Inside the nose, incisions are hidden
- No overnight stay is required at the hospital
- No bruising or swelling after the surgery
Turbinectomy
The surgical procedure is performed to ease the severe nasal congestion. The procedure can also be performed with Septoplasty. The procedure uses different strategies depending upon varied situations. The candidates for this procedure are those who are suffering from recurrent swelling of the adenoids and also nasal inflammation. Inferior turbinectomy may be helpful if there is a deviated nasal septum. The surgery provides reliefs from abnormal growths present in the nasal passages.
Turbinectomy can be ideal for those patients who are suffering from sleep apnea. The surgical procedure of turbinectomy makes it easier for the patients having a deep good sleep and can remain in that condition for long enough so as to feel refreshed after waking. The procedure can also minimize the problem of snoring.
Turbinate Reduction
Within the nose, there are supple tissue sponges that are known as Turbinates. In severe conditions of allergies, these turbinates enlarges and swells. These results in an inability of the patient to breathe through the nose. In such case, the turbinectomy surgery is recommended. The soft or supple tissue sponges are reduced in terms of size in turbinate reduction. In order to prevent bleeding, the under surface is cauterized. The surgeon also places soft sponge packings that can be removed after 24 hours after the procedure.
Laser Septoplasty
Laser Septoplasty has proved itself the best available treatment for deviated nasal septum for both minimal and moderate. It is relatively new and safe procedure. The causes of the deviated nasal septum include sleep apnea, cosmetic disfigurement and sinusitis. It has been seen that many people have a normal nasal septum that does not require the laser Septoplasty procedure. While in some, the deviated septum can affect the breathing habits of the people. The contact spots from septal spur has resulted into the problem of migraine headaches on the side wall of the nose.
The procedure is very less time consuming and is performed under general anesthesia with other nasal procedures. The laser surgery is very efficient and involves minimal bleeding. This comfortable laser Septoplasty procedure leaves no wound infections.
Costs of Septoplasty
Septoplasty in India is done at a very reasonable price, compared to the same in Europe and North America. All Indian hospitals use the latest techniques to provide better vision to the patients. India has some of the best ENT specialists who have years of experience behind them treating different ENT problems.