How the operation for the correction of the nasal septum takes place

Nasal septal defects are a common pathology in children and adults, requiring radical (surgical) treatment. This pathology is not life-threatening, but there is a pronounced cosmetic defect. Correction of the nasal septum (septoplasty) is performed according to strict indications.

Varieties and causes of septal defects

There are the following types of disadvantages:

1. Curvature. A condition in which the nasal septum deviates from a straight axis. This pathology is a common cause of chronic rhinitis, shortness of breath, sinusitis and tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). Curvature is physiological (congenital), traumatic and compensatory (in the background of polyps), S-shaped, horizontal, C-shaped, vertical, anterior or posterior.
2. Perforation. With this pathology, a transient hole is formed in the cartilage tissue. The pathology occurs as a result of rupture of the peri-cartilage tissue and separation of the submucosa.
3. The backrest is sinking. It occurs in the background of trauma and abscesses. It is characterized by the alignment of bone tissue and shortening of the back.

The most common causes of nasal septal deviations are:

1. Injuries (bruises, falls). The risk group includes men and boys. Athletes (boxers, karatekas, wrestlers, mixed martial arts fighters) are more susceptible to injuries. The defect develops with a strong blow, in the background of which the osteochondral plate moves. Deformation often occurs with improper adhesion after fracture.
2. Abnormal growth of skull bones. The large size of the nasal cavity promotes bending of the septum. This is a compensatory response.
3. Rare anomalies (strong development of Jacobson's rudiment). It limits the space for growth and development of the septum.
4. Chronic unilateral rhinitis. Nasal congestion on one side can cause curvature.
5. Tumors.
6. Abscesses.
7. Sinus hypertrophy (proliferation).
8. Complicated heredity (curvature of the nose in parents).
9. Polyps.

External manifestations and internal symptoms

If a person has a curved nasal septum, then the following symptoms are possible:

1. Violation of breathing through the nose. It can be easy and difficult to the point that a person breathes only through the mouth. The absence of this symptom does not exclude the presence of a deficiency.
2. Chronic rhinitis. It occurs as a result of impaired ventilation and microbial multiplication.
3. Frequent allergic reactions.
4. Congestion.
5. Swelling of the mucous membranes.
6. Headache. It occurs in the background of congestion, complications in the form of sinusitis (sinusitis), increased pressure on the mucous membrane and irritation of the receptors.
7. Frequent episodes of ARVI. It is manifested by coughing, sneezing, fever.
8. Dry mucosa.
9. Bleeding from the nose.
10. Sleep apnea. Attacks of respiratory arrest during sleep.
11. Snoring.
12. Sleep disorder.
13. Asthenic manifestations in the form of reduced performance, lethargy, weakness. The reason is the lack of oxygen.
14. Change in the shape of the nose (deviation, depression of the back).
15. Deterioration of attention and memory.

Symptoms such as cough, sweating, decreased sense of smell, tinnitus, dryness, nose, changes in facial expression (open mouth, change in bite) are less common.

Diagnosis of the severity of the defect

The following studies allow you to identify the deficiency and its severity:

1. Computed tomography (detects spines, ridges and associated diseases).
2. MRI. It is performed if there is a suspicion of a neoplasm.
3. Rhinoscopy (examination of the nasal cavity).
4. Endoscopy. A tube with a camera is used.
5. Rhinometry (change in air flow and degree of congestion disorders).
6. Visual inspection.

In addition, analyzes (allergy tests, bacteriological smear examination, clinical blood test) and a survey are performed.

Methods of treatment

Elimination of the defect is possible only by surgery. The operation is called rhinoplasty. Conservative therapy is ineffective.

Which doctors to contact

If you have symptoms of a septal defect, you should see an ENT doctor (otorhinolaryngologist). You may also need to see a surgeon.

Conservative treatment

Conservative treatment is aimed at eliminating edema and symptoms (runny nose, congestion). Saline solutions, vasoconstrictor sprays and drops can be used. Laser therapy is often performed.

Surgical intervention (septoplasty)

Septoplasty is a surgical correction of the nasal septum. It is most often performed endoscopically without incisions using a monitor and a camera. Its advantages include:

• rapid rehabilitation;
• efficiency;
• simplicity;
• minimal blood loss and trauma;
• the presence of an antiseptic effect (when a laser is used).

Resection or septochondroprotection is less commonly used. Before performing septoplasty, the degree of nasal dyspnea and the patient's age are taken into account.

Indications for surgery

Indications for nose surgery are:

• difficulty breathing;
• the presence of chronic rhinitis;
• ear inflammation;
• severe headaches;
• pronounced cosmetic defect;
• sinusitis;
• pronounced snoring;
• regular nosebleeds.

Contraindications to surgery

Surgical correction of the nasal septum is contraindicated:

• elderly patients,
• with hemophilia (blood clotting disorder),
• severe heart disease,
• mental disorders
• diabetes,
• cancer,
• severe forms of infection,
• arterial hypertension,
• during the flowering period of plants (with allergies),
• during pregnancy,
• breastfeeding a baby.

Preparation for septoplasty

Nasal correction is performed after tests (for HIV, syphilis, coagulograms), consultation with specialists (therapist, ENT doctor, anesthesiologist), premedication and anesthesia.

On the eve it is recommended not to eat later than 18 hours and to clean the intestines.

It is important to sanitize the oral cavity (cure all diseases, including sore throat, rhinitis, pharyngitis).

Women are advised to restore the correct shape of the nose 2 weeks after menstruation.

Characteristics of the postoperative period

After the operation to correct the nasal septum, it is necessary to:

• wear cotton turunds in your nose for 1-2 days;
• take antibiotics for prophylactic purposes;
• observed by a doctor (the specialist should rinse the nose, clean it of bark and blood).

Prohibitions during the rehabilitation period

After rhinoplasty, it is recommended:

• avoid heavy loads;
• refuse to visit baths and saunas;
• don't be a nose;
• don't catch a cold;
• exclude pressure and temperature drop (refuse flights, climb, swim).

Efficacy of surgical intervention

Photos of people before and after surgery vary dramatically.

Removing the defect removes the cosmetic defect and all symptoms, which facilitates breathing.

Efficiency reaches 95-100%.

Complications after correction of the nasal septum

Correction of the nasal septum in the current phase of medical development, the operation is simple. But there can still be postoperative complications.

Consequences of surgery may include adhesions, tissue fusion, formation of hematomas or abscesses, infection, allergy to anesthesia, damage to the ethmoid plate, decreased sense of smell, perforation, blurred vision, and nerve damage.