Nasal septum surgery - septoplasty

What is the nasal septum?

The nasal septum is a vertical, cartilaginous-bony plate that divides the nose into two almost symmetrical cavities. The membrane covering it participates in the process of cleaning, humidifying, and warming the air we inhale, while the cartilaginous and bony parts give the septum its shape and stability.

In some individuals, a deviation of the nasal septum may occur, characterized by an oblique course of the plate or the septum taking on an S shape. Additionally, various changes may appear on the septum, such as spurs or bony ridges.

A deviated nasal septum impairs the patency of the nasal passage, thereby disrupting the breathing process and hindering daily functioning. A crooked nasal septum also promotes infections, chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, and inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which can ultimately lead to the formation of polyps. Furthermore, impaired nasal breathing can cause hypoxia, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and snoring.

There are many causes of septal deviation. Most often it is due to trauma, developmental defects, or damage sustained during birth.

To eliminate troublesome symptoms related to a deviated nasal septum and to achieve proper airflow that improves breathing, sleep comfort, and overall quality of life, surgical correction should be considered.

When to perform surgery for a deviated septum?

The most effective way to eliminate symptoms and discomfort associated with a deviated septum is its surgical correction called septoplasty.

This procedure aims to restore the proper anatomical conditions of the nose by correcting the shape of the nasal septum so that it is positioned as close to the midline of the nose as possible. Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to restore symmetrical patency of the nasal cavities so that the nose can fully perform its functions of humidifying, cleansing, and warming the inhaled air.

Septoplasty significantly improves patients’ quality of life and reduces the frequency of chronic upper respiratory tract dysfunctions.

Indications for this procedure include:

• Breathing difficulties through the nose caused by a deviated nasal septum
• Recurrent inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, tear ducts, palatine tonsils
• Snoring and sleep apnea
• Vasomotor rhinitis of the nasal mucosa
• Unilateral or bilateral olfactory impairment
• Nosebleeds
• Chronic exudative otitis due to Eustachian tube dysfunction
• Post-traumatic and post-inflammatory deformities of the nasal septum

Septoplasty Procedure

If the above problems are noticed, it is important to decide on surgery as soon as possible, because breathing difficulties caused by a deviated nasal septum will not resolve on their own and will only worsen.

The septoplasty procedure is performed through the nostrils – no external incisions are made. The nasal septum mucosa is incised, then the mucosa is separated from the cartilage, which is corrected. Finally, sutures are placed to stabilize the new shape of the septum along with appropriate dressings. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.