Septoplasty is indicated for patients with chronic nasal obstruction, nighttime snoring, and other functional nasal complaints secondary to a deviated nasal septum. Inferior turbinectomy may be combined if the patient also presents with hypertrophic inferior turbinates.
Chronic sinusitis, when refractory to clinical treatment, can be treated by endoscopic sinus surgery. The goal is to widen the drainage openings of the sinuses to facilitate the drainage of sinus secretions, as well as improve their aeration.
NASAL SURGERIES
FUNCTIONAL
What does septoplasty consist of?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum when it causes chronic nasal obstruction. Septal deviation can be bony, cartilaginous, or a combination of both.
What is an inferior turbinectomy and when is it indicated?
Inferior turbinectomy is the removal of excess inferior nasal turbinates (or conchae) when they are hypertrophic. Their increased size can be another factor obstructing airflow in the nostrils. This technique can therefore be combined with septoplasty, maximizing functional results.
What does endoscopic sinus surgery consist of?
Endoscopic sinus surgery involves opening the drainage openings of the sinuses using optics, a camera, and a light source, without the need for external incisions. This provides the surgeon with a broad view of the inside of the nostrils for more precise manipulation. It is indicated for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to clinical treatment. This technique can also be used to treat benign and malignant sinus tumors, significant epistaxis (nosebleeds), complications of acute rhinosinusitis, among other indications.
What type of anesthesia is used for septoplasty and/or endoscopic nasal surgery?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. This allows for greater clinical control of the patient during the surgical procedure, as well as protecting the lower airways ("lungs").
How long does the procedure take?
Septoplasty, with or without inferior turbinectomy, lasts about 1 hour. If the patient also has chronic rhinosinusitis, requiring the addition of endoscopic nasal surgery, the procedure may take approximately 2 hours.
What is the post-operative period like after septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery?
The patient will have two small silicone plates inside the nostrils, which will be removed by the surgeon approximately 5 days after surgery. During this period, breathing will be predominantly oral. External dressings are usually not necessary. Swelling and pain in the nose are usually minimal.
How long does post-operative recovery take?
Post-operative recovery takes approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on the patient's clinical status and the perioperative period.
How soon can one return to practicing sports?
After septoplasty, you can return to sports in about 30 days. Lighter physical activities are allowed 15 days after surgery.
What do the scars look like after septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery?
These functional surgeries do not involve external incisions, therefore there are no visible scars.
Will the shape of the nose change after septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery?
When such procedures are performed for purely functional purposes, the shape of the nose generally does not change. If the patient wishes to alter the aesthetics of the nose, they should inform the surgeon beforehand, as it is possible to perform the aesthetic procedure during the same surgical session.