Endoscopic septoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at straightening a deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is a wall that separates the two nasal cavities and consists of cartilage and bone.

 

A deviated nasal septum may cause difficulty breathing, chronic sinus issues, and recurrent nosebleeds. In this case, ENT specialists at Magrabi Health recommend undergoing surgery to correct it and restore its normal shape.

 

In this article, Magrabi Health experts outline the details of the septoplasty procedure, the reasons for performing it, and what to expect during recovery.

 

What is a deviated nasal septum?

 

The nasal septum is a structure made of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two openings. Normally, the septum is straight and centrally positioned, allowing air to flow evenly through both sides of the nose.

 

Sometimes, the nasal septum tilts or deviates for several reasons, most notably:

 

• Congenital factors: This issue may be present from birth.
• Injuries: The septum may deviate due to a collision with a solid object caused by falls, accidents, or strong impacts during sports, especially contact sports.

 

Some patients experience a minor deviation that causes no symptoms or problems, while others may suffer from a severe deviation, leading to:

 

• Nasal congestion or obstruction.
• Recurrent nosebleeds.
• Frequent sinus infections.
• Facial pain.
• Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep.

 

What is septoplasty?

 

Septoplasty is a simple surgical procedure performed by Magrabi Health specialists to straighten the deviated septum and eliminate associated problems, such as difficulty breathing and chronic inflammation.

 

Additionally, septoplasty is one of the most performed ENT surgeries annually. Statistics indicate that this procedure is performed more than a quarter of a million times annually in the United States alone.

 

In some cases, the surgeon may perform additional procedures during the operation to improve nasal function, such as reducing nasal turbinates (abnormal bony growths in the nasal cavity).

 

Preoperative preparation for septoplasty

 

Proper preparation is essential for the success of septoplasty and a smooth recovery. The steps followed by ENT specialists at Magrabi Health include:

 

1. Comprehensive medical examination: The patient undergoes a thorough nasal examination, and the doctor reviews the patient’s medical history and identifies any present allergies.
2. Adjusting medication plans: Patients are advised to stop taking certain medications, particularly blood-thinning drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen, about two weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
3. Fasting: In the case of general anesthesia, the patient must stop eating and drinking after midnight the night before surgery.

 

How is endoscopic septoplasty performed?

 

ENT specialists at Magrabi Health perform septoplasty using the following steps:

 

1. Anesthesia: The patient is given general or local anesthesia to ensure no pain is felt during the procedure.
2. Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision inside the nasal cavity to access the septum.
3. Lifting the mucous membrane: The mucous membrane (a thin layer protecting the septum) is lifted to expose the cartilage and bone.
4. Straightening the septum: The surgeon reshapes or repositions the cartilage and/or bone and removes any protrusions.
5. Repositioning the mucous membrane: The membrane is placed back in its original position, and the incision is closed. The surgeon may use splints or soft packing to stabilize the septum during recovery.

 

The procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition. Once the patient’s condition is stable, they can return home on the same day. Most patients require about a week to recover.

 

Postoperative instructions

 

It is normal for patients to experience slight nasal bleeding for 24 to 48 hours after surgery, as well as mild pain like sinus inflammation. To ensure smooth and quick recovery, ENT specialists at Magrabi Health provide the following instructions:

 

• Take all prescribed medications as directed by the surgeon.
• Avoid strenuous activities, such as running or weightlifting, for at least one month to minimize the risk of bleeding.
• Avoid blowing the nose for at least three days.
• Use a saline rinse to clean the nasal passages as prescribed by the doctor.
• Sneeze with an open mouth to reduce pressure on the nose.
• Attend the follow-up appointment, usually scheduled one week after the procedure, to ensure healing and remove any splints or packing.

 

Potential risks of endoscopic septoplasty

 

While septoplasty is a safe procedure, like all surgeries, it may involve rare risks, including:

 

• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum).
• Temporary numbness in the nose or teeth.
• Recurrence of nasal obstruction, which may require revision surgery.

 

Patients can reduce the risk of these complications by seeking treatment at a specialized hospital equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies and staffed by skilled ENT surgeons.

 

Endoscopic septoplasty is a safe procedure that improves breathing quality and eliminates respiratory issues caused by a deviated nasal septum.

 

Book an appointment at the nearest Magrabi Health branch to receive expert consultation from the best ENT specialists in the region.