Health Encyclopedia

Septoplasty

Definition

Septoplasty is an operation that corrects any problems in the wall (nasal septum) that separates the two sides of the nose.

Alternative Names

Nasal septum repair

Description

The goal of septoplasty is to straighten out the nasal septum or to relieve blockages or other structural problems.

A cut is made inside the wall of one side of the nose. The mucus membrane is lifted up and away, and anything that is blocking the area is removed or moved as needed. Then, the mucus membrane is put back in its original position. The tissues covering the wall are held in place by either stitches or packing.

Indications

The main reasons for this surgery are:

Deformity of the wall between the nostrils (nasal septum)
Nasal airway obstruction
Septal spur headache
Uncontrollable nosebleeds

Nasal airway blockage is usually the result of a deformed septum. People with this condition usually breathe by mouth and get nasal infections.

A septal spur headache is a headache caused by pressure from the inside of the nose (septal impaction), which goes away when a numbing medicine (anesthetic) is placed on the area.

People who snort drugs, such as cocaine, in large quantities for long periods of time may need septoplasty if drug use has damaged the septum.

The following surgeries may be done to include a septoplasty:

Ethmoidectomy
Polypectomy
Tumor removal
Turbinate surgery

Risks

Excessive bleeding
Infection
Return of the nasal obstruction needing another surgery

Expectations after surgery

After surgery, both sides of the nose may be tightly packed (stuffed with cotton materials) to avoid nosebleeds. The material is usually removed 24 - 36 hours after surgery.

Convalescence

To help the healing, avoid blowing your nose or holding your breath and tightening your muscles while bearing down for a bowel movement for a few days after surgery. Ice packs on the nose may help relieve pain.

Review Date:1/30/2008
Reviewed By:James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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