Septoplasty

You may be asked to discontinue the use of medications that increase your risk of bleeding, such as blood thinners, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, ibuprofen).Tell your doctor about any medications including vitamins, herbs, or dietary supplements that you take.If you are having local anesthesia for the procedure, it is likely that no other special preparation is needed. If you will be having general anesthesia, your doctor will give you additional instructions, including when to stop eating and drinking prior to surgery. AnesthesiaSeptoplasty can be done using local or general anesthesia. The decision is based on the patients and surgeons preference. Description of the ProcedureThe surgeon will make an incision inside the nose. He or she will then remove the mucous membrane lining the septum, straighten the bent bone or cartilage by moving it or cutting off the bent piece, and replace the membrane over the top of the septum. The surgeon may put gauze in the nose to soak up any blood. He or she may also insert a plastic splint to keep the septum in place while it heals. After the ProcedureIf nasal packing is used, it is removed 1-2 days following the surgery. The splint remains in the nose for up to a week.

How Long Will It Take?The procedure takes 1-1 hours. Will It Hurt?Anesthesia will minimize pain during septoplasty. Following surgery, your nose may be tender or mildly painful. Ask your doctor about medications to help with the pain.Call your doctor if the pain is excessive. Possible ComplicationsNumbness in the tip of the nose or upper front teethBleedingInfectionSeptal perforation (a hole in the septum)No improvement in nasal breathingSaddle nose deformityDrooping of the nasal tip Average Hospital StayThis procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Most patients leave the hospital or surgery center 3-4 hours following septoplasty. Postoperative CareAfter the surgery, do the following to ensure a smooth recovery:Try to breathe through your mouth for the first few days.Do not blow your nose.Keep head elevated when lying down for the first 1-2 days.Apply ice packs to the nose to reduce pain and swelling.Do not take aspirin products for pain.Your doctor may want to see you for a follow-up visit to monitor the healing or to remove the gauze packing or splint. OutcomeIn the majority of cases, septoplasty successfully repairs the septum and improves nasal breathing. Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following OccursHeavy bleedingSevere painSigns of infection, including high fever and chillsDifficulty breathing RESOURCES:

American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgeryhttp://www.entnet.org The American Rhinologic Societyhttp://www.american-rhinologic.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Health Guide, British Columbia Ministry of Healthhttp://www.bchealthguide.org Canadian Society of Otolaryngologyhttp://www.entcanada.org References: Beers MH, Berkow R, Burs M, eds. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . Whitehouse Station, New Jersey: Merck Research Laboratories; 1999. Fact sheet: deviated septum. American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery website. Available at http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/sinus/deviated-septum.cfm . Accessed September 9, 2005. Ferguson BJ. Septoplasty and turbinate reduction. The American Rhinologic Society website. Available at http://american-rhinologic.org/patientinfo.septoplasty.phtml . Accessed August 31, 2005. Way L, Doherty G, eds. Current Surgical Diagnosis and Treatment . 11th ed. New York: Lange Medical Books; 2003. Last reviewed March 2008 by Elie Rebeiz, MD, FACSPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.