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Septoplasty

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Septoplasty  - series
Septoplasty - series

Alternative Names    Return to top

Nasal septum repair

Definition    Return to top

Septoplasty is surgery to correct any problems in the nasal septum, the wall inside the nose that separates the nostrils.

See also: Rhinoplasty

Description    Return to top

Most patients receive general anesthesia before septoplasty. This will make you unconscious and unable to feel pain. Some have the surgery under local anesthesia, which numbs the area to block pain. You will stay awake if you have local anesthesia. Surgery takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Patients usually go home the same day.

Your surgeon will make a cut inside the wall on one side of your nose.

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

The main reasons for this surgery are:

People who snort large amounts of cocaine or other drugs over long periods of time may need septoplasty. Snorting drugs can damage the septum.

Risks    Return to top

Risks for any surgery are:

Risks for this surgery are:

Before the Procedure    Return to top

You will meet with your anesthesiologist (the doctor who will give you your anesthesia medicine and monitor your condition before, during, and right after your surgery. You will discuss your medical history to help determine the right amount and type of anesthesia to use. You may be asked to stop eating and drinking after midnight the night before the procedure.

Be sure you tell your doctor or nurse about any medicines you take, evendrugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription. Also tell your doctor if you have any allergies or if you have a history of bleeding problems.

You may be asked to stop taking any drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot 2 weeks before your surgery. Some of these are aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and some herbal supplements.

After the Procedure    Return to top

You will go home on the same day as surgery. After surgery, both sides of your nose may be tightly packed (stuffed with cotton materials) so you do not get nosebleeds. Usually this packing is removed 24 to 36 hours after surgery.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Most septoplasty successfully straighten the septum. Breathing often improves.

References    Return to top

Kridel RWH, Kelly PE, MacGregor AR. The nasal septum. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2005:chap 44.

Update Date: 2/17/2009

Updated by: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle , WA . Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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