SEPTOPLASTY

 

 

 

Septum is the anatomical structure inside the nose that divides the nose into two compartments in the midline. The septum is partially in bone and mostly in cartilage. Under normal conditions, it is necessary to divide the nose into two equal chambers so that equal breathing can be obtained from both nostrils. However, in almost 70-80% of people, there is deviation in the septum that develops as a result of the traumas that have been congenital or experienced over time, and these patients are diagnosed with 'septum deviation'. Here, the operation performed to correct these curvatures is called "septoplasty" operation. Not every nasal curvature is operated. Septoplasty surgery is required in cases where nasal curvature is accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty in breathing through the nose, snoring, recurrent nosebleeds, frequent sinusitis infections, continuous nasal discharge or chronic headache. In addition to the septum, there are also anatomical structures called 'concha' that facilitate our breathing and are responsible for moistening the nose. Growth and swelling may occur in these structures, sometimes structurally and sometimes due to allergic reasons. This situation makes breathing more difficult. More successful results are often obtained by intervening in the turbinates in addition to septoplasty operations.

 

 

WHAT SHOULD I BE CAREFUL ABOUT BEFORE OPERATION?

This surgery can be performed with local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. In operations to be performed under general anesthesia, oral food or water intake should be stopped at least 8 hours before the operation time. If there is any medication that is used continuously (such as blood thinners, blood pressure or diabetes medications), you must inform your physician. Any food supplements, vitamins or even herbal teas should be discontinued 1 week before surgery.

 

WILL THERE BE TAMPONS IN THE NOSE AFTER THE OPERATION?

After septoplasty operations, surgeons may choose to place nasal pads for 2 or 3 days at most. However, nowadays these tampons are made with soft and easily removable features. In fact, new generation tampons are often used, which are plastic, have holes that allow to breathe through the nose or can melt spontaneously.