Septoplasty

Septoplasty: Surgery to Correct a Deviated Nasal Septum

 

What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is a specialized surgical procedure that corrects a deviated nasal septum — the bone-and-cartilage structure that separates the two nasal cavities. When this structure is crooked (deviated), it narrows or blocks one or both nostrils.

The nasal septum, made up of a cartilaginous portion and a bony portion, works as a dividing wall between the two nostrils. When deviated, it creates a mechanical obstruction that hinders or prevents the passage of air, resulting in breathing difficulties that may worsen during physical activity or when lying down.

Indications for Septoplasty

Surgery is recommended when a deviated septum causes functional problems that do not respond adequately to medical treatment and that impact the patient’s quality of life. The main indications include:

– Persistent nasal obstruction — which can interfere with daily activities and sleep.
– Recurrent sinusitis — caused by impaired drainage of the paranasal sinuses.
– Snoring and sleep apnea — resulting from obstruction of the upper airway.
– Recurrent headaches — related to nasal obstruction and pressure of the septum against the lateral nasal wall.
– Frequent nosebleeds — due to drying of the mucosa.
– Reduced sense of smell and taste — because of impaired airflow.

Indication Criteria

Septoplasty is indicated for patients who present the symptoms above and who experience little or no improvement with medical treatment.

Benefits of Septoplasty

Improved Breathing: The main benefit is a significant improvement in breathing, clearing the nasal passages and allowing adequate airflow through the nostrils.

Sleep Quality: Correcting the septum improves nighttime ventilation and may reduce episodes of snoring and sleep apnea.

Fewer Sinusitis Episodes: Septoplasty helps prevent recurrent sinusitis by improving drainage of the paranasal sinuses, reducing the retention of secretions and the risk of infection.

Improved Physical Performance: Patients may experience a significant improvement in their physical performance thanks to easier breathing.

Overall Well-being: Relief from headaches and from infections related to the deviated septum, along with improved breathing, smell, and taste, all contribute to overall well-being.

How the Procedure Is Performed

Surgical Technique

Septoplasty is performed exclusively through the nostrils (endonasal approach), using cameras and microinstruments with no external incisions. The procedure, which lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, is carried out under general anesthesia for the patient’s maximum comfort.

During surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision inside the nose to access the deviated septum. The mucosa is carefully lifted off the septal structure, allowing the deviated portions of bone and cartilage to be repositioned or removed. The goal is to center the septum, creating more symmetrical and open nasal passages.

Thanks to the technologies used and the surgeon’s experience, in the vast majority of septoplasty surgeries neither nasal packing nor splints (the silicone plates placed in some septoplasty techniques) are used, providing greater postoperative comfort for the patient.

Frequently asked questions about Septoplasty

What is a deviated nasal septum?

The nasal septum is the structure of bone and cartilage that divides the two nostrils. When it is deviated, it can hinder the passage of air, causing nasal obstruction, a stuffy-nose sensation, and worse breathing, especially when lying down or during physical exertion.

When is septoplasty indicated?

Septoplasty may be indicated when a deviated septum causes persistent nasal obstruction and symptoms that do not improve adequately with medical treatment. In some cases, it may also be part of the approach to recurrent sinusitis, recurrent nosebleeds, headache related to the nasal anatomy, and significant breathing difficulty.

Does septoplasty require nasal packing afterward?

Thanks to the technologies and the technique used, in the vast majority of septoplasty surgeries performed at our practice neither nasal packing nor splints (silicone plates used in some techniques) are needed, providing greater postoperative comfort for the patient.

How is septoplasty surgery performed?

Septoplasty is usually performed inside the nose, with no visible external incisions. The procedure corrects the deviated areas of the septum to improve airflow, and the technique may be conventional or endoscopic, depending on the nasal anatomy and the individualized surgical plan.

Does septoplasty improve snoring and sleep apnea?

Septoplasty improves nasal breathing and may help reduce snoring in some patients, as well as making CPAP easier to tolerate when there is significant nasal obstruction. In sleep apnea cases, however, the benefit depends on individualized assessment, because the problem usually involves other points of obstruction besides the nose.