A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum is misaligned, leading to breathing difficulties. Septoplasty is the surgical correction that straightens the septum and improves airflow through the nasal passages.
The procedure involves removing or reshaping cartilage and bone obstructing the airway. It is commonly performed under local or general anesthesia, with minimal external changes to nasal appearance.
Recovery is usually quick, with swelling and mild bleeding subsiding within days. Most patients can return to daily activities within a week, provided they avoid strenuous effort during healing.
Long-term benefits include better breathing, reduced snoring, and improved sleep quality. A successful septoplasty significantly enhances both health and quality of life.
İçindekiler
What Causes a Nasal Septum Deviation?
A nasal septum deviation can result from various congenital or acquired factors that lead to bending of the septum. These factors may affect a person’s quality of life and cause breathing difficulties.
Congenital Causes:
- Developmental abnormalities in the womb
- Pressure on the nose during birth
Traumatic Causes:
- Sports injuries
- Traffic accidents
- Sudden falls
- Physical fights
- Impacts during childhood play
Even minor blows can eventually lead to a septal deviation over time. In some cases, the individual may not even realize a trauma occurred yet experience a shift in the septum. Hence, a nasal septum deviation may not always have a clear cause.
How Is Nasal Septum Deviation Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a nasal septum deviation involves a detailed clinical evaluation and various diagnostic methods. The doctor listens to the patient’s complaints and performs a physical examination. If necessary, advanced imaging and diagnostic tools are used:
- Patient complaints: Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, snoring, frequently recurring sinusitis.
- Physical examination: The inside of the nose is inspected for mucosal structures and septal curvature.
- Anterior rhinoscopy: A visual assessment of the nasal passages using a light source and speculums.
- Nasal endoscopy: A flexible or rigid endoscope is used for a more detailed examination when needed.
- Imaging and diagnostic methods also play a key role:
- Computed tomography (CT): Cross-sectional images to analyze the septal deviation.
- Acoustic rhinometry: Assessment of airflow within the nose.
- Rhinomanometry: Measurement of airflow strength and resistance during breathing.
- Nasal spectral sound analysis: An indirect measurement of blockages in airflow.
The most critical step in diagnosing a nasal septum deviation is carefully evaluating both the physical findings and the patient’s symptoms. Endoscopy and imaging techniques give doctors detailed information on the degree of septal curvature, providing a solid basis for properly treating the patient’s complaints.
What Are the Treatment Options for Nasal Septum Deviation?
Treatment options for a nasal septum deviation include both surgical and non-surgical methods, depending on the patient’s symptoms and the severity of the deviation. Non-surgical treatments are typically used for milder symptoms, while more serious cases may require surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Decongestants
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays
- Antihistamines
Surgical Treatment:
- Septoplasty
Non-surgical methods generally aim to reduce nasal congestion but do not address the root cause of the problem. Septoplasty corrects the twisted septum to permanently improve airflow and can enhance quality of life in the long term. Therefore, the choice of treatment depends on symptom severity and patient expectations.
How Is a Nasal Septum Deviation Surgery (Septoplasty) Performed?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure carried out to correct the crooked nasal septum. It aims to eliminate problems such as difficulty breathing and nasal congestion, and is usually performed under general or local anesthesia.
Types of Anesthesia:
- Local anesthesia
- General anesthesia
Surgical Steps:
- Carefully opening the nasal mucosa
- Accessing the deviated portion of the septum
- Straightening the cartilage and bone tissue
- Removing excess tissue if necessary
- Repositioning the mucosa
- Closing with sutures
Post-Operative Support Devices:
- Nasal splints
- Tampons
During the operation, the surgeon preserves the internal nasal structure and typically leaves no external scar. Following the doctor’s advice during recovery speeds up healing. In the first days, rest is recommended, and heavy activities should be avoided to prevent nasal bleeding; proper nasal care is also important. Saline sprays can be used for moisturizing, but vigorous nasal cleaning is not advised.
What Are the Possible Risks and Benefits of Septoplasty?
Septoplasty surgery is a procedure performed to correct a crooked nasal septum. As with any surgery, there are certain risks and complications. However, a successful septoplasty can offer numerous benefits to patients.
Possible Risks:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Septal hematoma or abscess
- Septal perforation
- Adhesions in nasal tissues
- Nasal shape deformities
- Loss of smell
- Temporary numbness
Expected Benefits:
- Easier nasal breathing
- Improved sleep pattern
- Reduced snoring
- Decrease in sinus infections
- Relief of facial and headache pain
The goal of septoplasty is to improve quality of life by addressing nasal obstruction complaints. Regular doctor check-ups following surgery help ensure a quicker and smoother recovery. Thus, it is essential for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations both before and after the procedure.
Prof. Dr. Murat Songu was born in İzmir in 1976. After graduating from İzmir Atatürk High School, he entered Ege University Faculty of Medicine in 1994. He completed his specialization training in Otorhinolaryngology at Celal Bayar University. On September 5, 2014, he became eligible for the title of “Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology” after passing the oral exam held at Ankara Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Hospital. Having won the Turkish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Scholarship, he worked in the Robotic Surgery Unit at UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) in Pittsburgh, USA, between February 2016 and May 2016. On April 2, 2021, he was promoted to “Professor of Otorhinolaryngology.”
