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Breathing Easy: Navigating the Ins and Outs of Septoplasty

Home > Blogs > Breathing Easy: Navigating the Ins and Outs of Septoplasty

Breathing Easy: Navigating the Ins and Outs of Septoplasty

Pulmonology | Posted on 03/21/2024 by Dr. Rakesh Godara



Introduction

Do you experience snoring, sleep, and breathing problems often? If you do, then make sure to book your appointment with healthcare professionals at CK Birla Hospitals in Jaipur. These are the signs of a deviated septum causing nasal obstruction and other nose-related problems. It is vital to seek treatment immediately to avoid complications in the future. If you are not aware of a deviated septum, then stick to this blog. We will discuss comprehensively about this topic involves why it is performed, how it is performed, etc. However, please note that this write-up is for informational purposes and we do not encourage overlooking the doctor’s consultation in any way.

What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a surgery that helps correct a deviated septum, or displacement or deviation of the thin wall (septum) between the nostrils. In addition to consistent sinus infections, breathing issues, nasal congestion, and even sleep interruptions are caused by this condition. Septoplasty as an outpatient procedure is usually carried out under local or general anesthesia. However, recovery times differ, patients can often begin their regular activities in a week or two after experiencing minor pain and swelling.

It is vital to understand that septoplasty is not usually carried out for cosmetic purposes but also to handle functionality problems linked to nasal blockage. However, it is blended with rhinoplasty in certain cases to enhance functionality and nose form. Septoplasty involves risks like any other surgical procedure that includes severe reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infections, etc. Patients should contact their healthcare experts to understand the risks and benefits of this surgical procedure and to make wise decisions.

What are the benefits of Septoplasty?

Several advantages are offered by septoplasty to patients who have a deviated septum. Here are some of them: 

  • Better Nasal Airflow: Septoplasty assists in enhancing the airflow through the nasal passages by correcting septal deviation.
  • Nasal Congestion: With septoplasty, the surgery reduces nasal congestion and breathing issues by septum realignment. 
  • Relief from Snoring and Sleep Issues: Septoplasty also improves sleep quality by reducing the symptoms of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. 
  • Reduced Sinus Infections: Septoplasty surgery benefits sinus drainage and reduces the incidence and severity of sinus infections.
  • Relief of Face Pain and Headaches: Resolving nasal blockage often assists in releasing pressure, headaches, and facial pain.
  • Improved Nasal Functions: Septoplasty usually benefits patients with a deviated septum to breathe easier, feel better overall, and function better in their noses.

Why is Septoplasty done?

Different reasons are there for when healthcare experts recommend septoplasty. Here are some of them for your better understanding: 

  • Nasal Obstruction: A deviated septum can obstruct nasal airflow and make breathing tough. Septoplasty helps in correcting the problem of nasal obstruction. 
  • Chronic Nasal Congestion: Septoplasty is a treatment method for patients suffering from consistent nasal congestion due to deviated septum. 
  • Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Stent placement is involved as it helps in reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms by prompting enhanced airflow during sleep. 
  • Recurrent Sinus Infections: Septoplasty helps people with frequent and severe signs of sinus infections caused by a deviated septum by improving sinus drainage.
  • Face Pain and Headaches: Septoplasty also helps patients with deviated septum experience facial pain, pressure, and headaches.
  • Overall Quality of Life: Septoplasty not only helps in correcting a deviated septum but also improves nasal function, and increases the quality of life for those who are affected.

What happens before Septoplasty surgery?

Before the septoplasty surgery is initiated, healthcare experts first provide the patient with a list of preoperative instructions that should be followed diligently. It is vital to tell the doctor about any medications that the patient is taking such as nonprescription drugs, herbs, and supplements. Before surgery, the patient is asked not to take any form of drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, or herbal supplements. This is recommended as it becomes difficult for blood to clot. The patient is also required to pass on any information linked to allergies or bleeding issues.

What does the procedure of Septoplasty look like?

Most septoplasty procedures are initiated as an outpatient procedure, most patients can go home the same day after the surgery is done. A clinical professional will often put the patient under general anesthesia. It means that they will not feel pain or wake up during the surgery. Another option, healthcare experts usually involve is local anesthesia which helps in numbing the body area that requires surgery. 

The complete process happens inside your nose. The surgeon makes an incision and lifts the mucosa on one side of the nose, which is a thin membrane covering and shielding the septum. This allows the surgeon to reshape the cartilage and bone of the septum. The underlying nose structures of the patient occasionally be reshaped and repositioned after the surgeon removes certain bone portions and cartilage. 

Once it is done, then the mucosa will then be repositioned back over the septum. During surgery, your nose is not fractured. This entire procedure takes around thirty to ninety minutes. 

The surgeon then involves the use of soft packing or splints to hold the nasal tissue in place, prevent nosebleeds, and lessen the possibility of scarring. The splints often last for a week. The surgeon may sometimes leave behind only dissolving stitches, which eventually fall out on their own.

What are the risks or complications of delaying septoplasty?

Delaying the septoplasty procedure for a long time can cause certain risks or complications. Here are some of them: 

  • Overlooking septoplasty can cause nasal congestion, breathing problems, and other linked symptoms. 
  • A deviated septum leads to obstructing sinus drainage, leading to recurrent sinus infections if not treated on time.
  • Regular nasal obstruction causes exacerbation of sleep disturbances like sleep apnea, snoring, and interrupted sleep patterns. 
  • If the septal deviation is left untreated, it can hugely affect regular schedules and overall well-being because of consistent nasal symptoms and linked complications. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, septoplasty is a vital treatment option for people experiencing the outcomes of a deviated septum. This surgical procedure provides a road to improve issues caused by a nasal obstruction such as breathing issues, reduce sinus infection, and enhance the quality of life overall by handling the problem and increasing airflow. It is advised to get in touch with a certified and licensed healthcare provider to assess your requirements and equalize the risks and advantages. Septoplasty offers benefits like nasal function restoration, allowing the patients to breathe without any problems, sleep easily, and enjoy their life.

FAQ

 

Does septoplasty change the nose shape?

The primary focus of septoplasty is correcting the septum for improved breathing and usually doesn’t modify the nose shape externally. However, if it is combined with a procedure named rhinoplasty then it might change the appearance.

What are the signs of infection after septoplasty?

One of the major signs of infection after septoplasty involves swelling, redness, pus drainage, fever, or increased pain. It is advised to visit a doctor if symptoms don’t go away easily.

How much does septoplasty surgery cost in India?

The cost of septoplasty surgery entirely depends on certain factors such as the chosen hospital, expertise of the surgeon, and location. However, it often ranges between INR 30,000- 1,00,000.

Does insurance cover septoplasty?

There are insurance plans that cover septoplasty procedures if it is considered medically required to improve breathing problems. However, it is important to note that it depends on the insurance provider and their policy terms.

How to clean the nose after septoplasty?

It is recommended to gently clean the nostrils with saline solution or the provided nasal spray as instructed by the surgeon. Doctors also recommend blowing the nose strongly to avert complications. 

Does septoplasty leave scars?

Septoplasty is usually carried out internally, so it doesn't leave apparent external scars. Any incisions done inside the nose often heal without evident scarring.