Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal passages. When it is crooked or off-center, it can obstruct airflow, cause breathing difficulties, and contribute to other nasal problems. Septoplasty aims to straighten the septum, improve nasal breathing, and alleviate related symptoms. Here is an overview of septoplasty surgery, its treatment goals, and the causes that may lead to this procedure:

Treatment with Septoplasty:

Septoplasty is primarily performed to treat a deviated nasal septum, which can lead to the following symptoms and conditions:

1. Nasal Obstruction: A deviated septum can block one or both nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
2. Chronic Nasal Congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose can lead to chronic nasal congestion and mouth breathing.
3. Sleep Apnea: In some cases, a deviated septum may contribute to sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea.
4. Recurrent Sinus Infections: A deviated septum can disrupt normal sinus drainage, leading to recurrent sinus infections.
5. Nosebleeds: Deviated septum may cause nasal dryness and nosebleeds in some individuals.

Causes for Septoplasty:

The primary cause that leads to septoplasty is a deviated nasal septum, which can be present from birth or result from various factors, including:

1. Trauma: Nasal injuries, such as sports injuries or accidents, can cause the nasal septum to become deviated.
2. Congenital: Some people are born with a deviated septum due to abnormalities in the nasal cartilage and bone development.
3. Aging: The nasal septum can become more crooked over time due to the natural aging process.
4. Growth Spurts: Deviated septum may develop during adolescence during growth spurts.

Septoplasty Procedure:

Septoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can go home on the same day of surgery. The steps involved in a septoplasty procedure are as follows:

1. Anesthesia: Septoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
2. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision inside one of the nostrils to access the deviated septum.
3. Septum Straightening: The deviated portion of the septum is carefully repositioned and straightened to improve nasal airflow.
4. Septal Spur Removal (if applicable): If there are bone spurs or extra cartilage obstructing the nasal passage, they may be removed during the procedure.
5. Incision Closure: The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.

Recovery after Septoplasty:

Recovery after septoplasty can vary from person to person, but most patients can resume normal activities within a week after surgery. Some aspects of recovery may include:

1. Nasal Packing (optional): In some cases, nasal packing or splints may be placed inside the nose to support the septum during the initial healing phase.
2. Nasal Care: Regular nasal saline irrigation is recommended to keep the nasal passages clean and promote healing.
3. Follow-up Visits: Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor healing and assess nasal function.
4. Avoiding Strain: Patients are generally advised to avoid activities that could put undue strain on the healing nasal tissues.

Septoplasty is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, with a high success rate in improving nasal breathing and alleviating related symptoms. However, like any surgery, there are potential risks and complications to consider, and it’s important to discuss the benefits and risks with an ENT specialist to determine if septoplasty is the appropriate treatment option for your specific nasal condition.