Septoplasty
The nasal septum is the bone and cartilage in the nose that separates the nasal cavity into the two nostrils. A septum deviation (deviation septum on one side or the other) can produce a blockage within either one of the nostrils. Septoplasty is performed to correct the alignment of the nasal septum. During this procedure, the nasal septum is repositioned.
Your doctor can perform this operation in conjunction with other surgical interventions as it is performed under general or local anaesthesia in the hospital or the clinic.
The septoplasty facilitates normal breathing for people presenting an obstruction of the nasal respiratory airways. Nasal septum can be responsible for sleep apnea and snoring.
Septoplasty can also
- Repair structural problems of the nasal septum (eg an abnormal shape)
- Provide relief of persistent sinus infections
- Assist in resolving frequent nose bleeds
Risks and precaution measures
The risks involved with septoplasty depends on several factors, the most common being the type of surgical intervention undertaken and the nature of the problem. Although septoplasty is generally considered to be safe, it is still associated with some risks and side effects including:
- change in nose structure
- bleeding
- lesions in the septum
- altered sense of smell
- infection
- scarring
- septal hematoma
It is also possible to continue to have blockage, regardless of the surgery. Before proceeding with this intervention, discuss the risks and benefits associated with this procedure with your doctor.
A septoplasty is performed by a surgeon at a hospital or clinic under local or general anesthesia. A septoplasty restores normal breathing in patient’s with obstructive nasal passages. This obstruction may contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.