Nasal septum repair

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Infobox Medical Procedure
Name	Nasal septum repair
ICD	[[International Classification of Diseases|]]
ICD-9-CM	[[ICD-9-CM|]]
MeSH	[[Medical Subject Headings|]]
OPS-301 code
MedlinePlus	[[MedlinePlus|]]
eMedicine	[[eMedicine|]]
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Specialty	[[]]
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Nasal septum repair is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated or damaged nasal septum. The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils. When the septum is crooked or displaced, it can cause breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, and other related problems. Nasal septum repair aims to realign the septum, improving nasal airflow and overall nasal function.

Indications

Nasal septum repair is indicated for individuals who experience symptoms related to a deviated or damaged septum. Common indications for this procedure include:

• Nasal obstruction: A deviated septum can obstruct the nasal passages, leading to difficulty in breathing through the nose.
• Nasal congestion: The misalignment of the septum can cause chronic nasal congestion, making it challenging to breathe freely.
• Recurrent sinus infections: A deviated septum can disrupt the normal drainage of the sinuses, increasing the risk of recurrent sinus infections.
• Nosebleeds: A crooked septum can cause frequent nosebleeds due to the irritation of the nasal lining.
• Sleep apnea: In some cases, a deviated septum can contribute to sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep.

Procedure

The nasal septum repair procedure is typically performed by an otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. The steps involved in the procedure are as follows:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is administered either local or general anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.

2. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision inside the nose to access the nasal septum.

3. Septal repositioning: The deviated or damaged portion of the septum is carefully repositioned to align it properly. This may involve removing excess cartilage or bone and reshaping the septum.

4. Stabilization: In some cases, the surgeon may use splints, sutures, or nasal packing to stabilize the septum and prevent it from shifting back to its original position.

5. Closure: The incision is closed using dissolvable sutures, and nasal packing may be placed to control bleeding and support the septum during the initial healing phase.

6. Recovery: After the procedure, the patient is monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off. Pain medication and nasal sprays may be prescribed to manage discomfort and promote healing.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, nasal septum repair carries certain risks and potential complications. These may include:

• Bleeding: Some bleeding is common after the procedure, but excessive bleeding may require medical attention.
• Infection: Infection at the surgical site is a possible complication, although it is relatively rare.
• Scarring: In rare cases, scarring may occur inside the nose, potentially affecting nasal function.
• Septal perforation: In very rare instances, a hole may develop in the septum, leading to nasal crusting, whistling sounds during breathing, and other issues.
• Changes in nasal shape: In some cases, the nasal shape may be altered due to the surgical procedure.

Recovery and Follow-up

The recovery period after nasal septum repair varies from person to person. Generally, patients can expect the following:

• Discomfort: Mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and nasal congestion are common during the initial days after the procedure. Pain medication and nasal sprays prescribed by the surgeon can help manage these symptoms.
• Activity restrictions: Strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting and intense exercise, should be avoided for a few weeks to allow proper healing.
• Follow-up appointments: The surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and remove any nasal packing or sutures if necessary.

See Also

• Nasal septum
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Deviated septum
• Sinusitis
• Sleep apnea