Septoplasty: What to Expect in Deviated Nasal Septum Surgery

For individuals who suffer from chronic sinus infections, the complications may be associated with a deviated nasal septum or complications of the septum arising out of congenital defect. For many, surgery is the only option to remedy the chronic and recurring risks for sinus infection.

Septoplasty is the surgical correction of the nasal septum. The septum, cartilage located in between the two nostrils, divides the nasal cavity. When the septum is crooked, or deviated, this deviation can create complications involving not only recurring sinus infections but can also lead to complications with breathing, result in secondary headache pain and even complicate vision.

The septoplasty is a complex surgical procedure in which the deviated nasal septum is broken and then re-aligned. In many cases, the septoplasty can be performed on an outpatient procedure, under general anesthesia. However, for some patients, especially those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or bleeding disorders, the surgical procedure may require admission into the hospital.

The key aspect of the success of septoplasty surgery lies in the days following surgery when healing and recovery are taking place. Elevating the head for up to 48 hours will be required and you will be unable to breath out of your nose. Using relaxation techniques, this time period, while highly stressful, can be more comfortable with the use of meditation, relaxation tapes and even distractions such as listening to relaxing music and staying within the comfort of family and friends. It is important to keep your blood pressure and anxiety under control during this period following septoplasty.

Once your septoplasty is complete, and the healing process is well underway, you may notice a significant increase in the degree to which you can breathe, even sensing a renewed sense of well being. With increased oxygen intake, you will find your septoplasty has improved your overall quality of life.

In the long term, the septoplasty, to correct a deviated nasal septum, will provide relief and improvement in the recurrence of chronic sinus infections. While this impact may not be realized immediately, within 12 months after deviated nasal septum surgery, you should begin to notice a significant decrease in your frequency of sinus infections.

As with any complication involving respiration or sinus health, it is important to seek medical attention early when the complications begin. If your sinus infections are chronic and recurring, ask your physician to obtain a CT scan of your nasal septum. In many cases, CT scans will reveal the septum is deviated, resulting in the need for septoplasty surgery.