| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Surgery to correct deviations or irregularities of the nasal septum. The septum is the cartilage and bony partition that separates the two nasal chambers (nostrils). During surgery, great care is taken to avoid perforating the tissue covering the septum or weakening the structure of the nose. See also rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery). |
| Alternative Names | Nasal septum repair
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| Description | The goal of the surgery is to straighten out the nasal septum, to relieve obstructions, or other problems related to the deviation of the septum. An incision is made internally on one side of the nasal septum. Afterwards, the mucous membrane is elevated away from the cartilage and bone, obstructive parts are removed, and plastic surgery is performed as necessary. Then the mucous membrane is returned to its original position. The tissues covering the septum are maintained in the midline by either sutures or packing. |
| Indications | The main indications for nasal surgery are: Nasal airway obstruction Septal spur headache Uncontrollable nosebleeds Nasal septal deformity in the presence of other intranasal surgery Nasal airway obstruction is usually the result of a septal deformity that causes breathing by mouth, sleep apnea , or recurrent nasal infections that are slow to respond to antibiotics. A septal spur headache is defined as a headache secondary to pressure from the nasal septum on the linings in side the nose (septal impaction) and relieved by topical anesthesia (applied to a localized area of the skin) on the septal impaction . Other intranasal surgery indicating septoplasty includes polypectomy (removal of a polyp), ethmoidectomy (operation on the ethmoid bone at the superior part of the nasal cavity), turbinate surgery (operation on the concha nasalis), and tumor removal. |
| Risks | Infections and excessive bleeding are the two main complications associated with septoplasty. Relapse of the nasal obstruction may require revision surgery. |
| Expectations after surgery | The surgery can be done either under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis or under general anesthesia during a short hospital stay. After surgery, both sides of the nose are tightly packed to avoid bleeding and to serve as a splint and maintain the mucosa in place. Packing is usually removed 24 to 36 hours after surgery. |
| Convalescence | To help the healing, it is recommended that you avoid blowing the nose or performing any Valsalva maneuver (for example, when you hold your breath and tighten your muscles while bearing down for a bowel movement) for a few days after surgery. Ice packs on the nose will enhance comfort. |
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