Septum deviation surgery (septoplasty) is a surgical procedure performed to correct cartilage and bone curvatures in the nasal septum (middle wall of the nose). It is usually performed from inside the nose under general anesthesia, leaving no scars on the external surface, and takes an average of 30 to 90 minutes.
✓What is Deviation?
Septum deviation, also known as nasal curvature, is a condition where the thin bone and cartilage structure (nasal septum) that divides the nasal cavity into two parts is bent to the right or left from the center. In deviation with a deviated nasal septum, when the septum is excessively curved to the right or left, it causes aesthetic discomfort to the person as well as difficulty in breathing. A small amount of deviation can naturally occur in most people. In severe septum deviations that cause respiratory problems and create blockage and headaches, treatment should be applied to the person.
✓What are the Symptoms of Deviation?
Deviation does not present as a symptom in most people. If the nasal septum is severely deviated, the most commonly seen symptom is difficulty in breathing through the nose. In addition to these, the following symptoms are seen in deviation:
✓Nasal bleeding
✓Recurrent sinus infections
✓Blockage of one or both nostrils
✓Noisy breathing or snoring
✓Preference for sleeping facing a particular direction
✓Nasal discharge
✓In addition to these symptoms, conditions such as headaches, facial pain, and reduced sleep quality may occur.
✓What Causes Deviation?
Septum deviation can be a congenital condition, but in some people, especially during childhood, it can result from injury, trauma, and falls. This condition resulting from the septum that divides the nasal cavity into two parts also occurs after nasal trauma, accidents, and sports injuries.
✓Septum deviation treatment may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms it causes in the person. Treatments include nasal sprays, surgical intervention, antihistamines, and nasal aesthetic surgery. The specialist doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment method based on the cause of the septum.
✓What Happens if Deviation is Not Treated?
If nasal curvature is not treated, it can lead to respiratory problems, poor sleep quality, snoring, breathing cessation during sleep, throat dryness, pharyngitis, and nasal bleeding. In addition, it causes low oxygen to enter the body. It can also trigger sinus infections.
✓How is Deviation Surgery Performed?
Before deviation surgery, the specialist doctor diagnoses the person and identifies abnormalities in the nasal septum structure. At this point, intranasal cameras or radiographic imaging can be used.
✓Before septoplasty is applied, the anesthesia method is determined. At this point, general anesthesia is frequently preferred. When the surgical intervention stage is reached, a small incision is made from the lower part of the nose to reach its internal structure. After the curvature is corrected and excess tissues are removed, the intervention is completed.
✓At the end of the surgery, a sponge-like tampon is placed inside the nose. Thanks to the airway present in the tampon, the patient can breathe through the nose while the tampon is in place. The nasal tampon remains for 24 hours. It is removed the day after surgery. Removal of the tampon is a painless procedure. The sponge-shaped nasal tampon does not stick to the inside of the nose and comes out easily. The patient stays in the hospital for one night.
✓After surgical intervention, the stitches are mostly self-dissolving in nature. These stitches are removed after 1 week, and the healing process begins.
✓At What Age Group is the Surgery Performed?
✓Septum deviation surgery is not performed during childhood. It is waited for the nasal and facial bones to complete their development. For this reason, it can be performed after ages 16-17.
Deviation surgery is not painful after the procedure. There is no bruising or swelling in the nose and face. There is no aesthetic change, neither positive nor negative. The procedure performed is solely aimed at opening the nasal passage from inside and facilitating breathing.
Nasal tampons remain in place for 24 hours and after their removal, the patient is discharged from the hospital. The patient can return to work and resume activities the next day. In the 1-2 weeks following surgery, the patient may feel slight nasal congestion as if having a mild cold. Complete healing of the inside of the nose occurs within 4 weeks. There are no restricted activities during this period. Only heavy exercise is not permitted for the first week.
What does deviation lead to?
Deviation that occurs in the nasal septum can lead to middle ear problems, sinusitis, ear inflammation, nosebleeds, nasal discharge, sleep apnea, and headaches.
How is deviation corrected?
Deviation located in the center line of the nose is corrected with septoplasty (nasal deviation surgery), which is a surgical intervention.
How long does septoplasty (deviation surgery) take and how is it performed?
It is an operation performed under general anesthesia that lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours. The curved cartilage and bone tissues are corrected or removed through incisions made inside the nose.
What is the recovery process like after deviation surgery?
Patients can usually return to their daily lives within 1-2 weeks. In the first days, it is necessary to avoid blowing the nose, not doing strenuous sports, keeping the head elevated, and protecting against nasal injuries.