Septoplasty

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

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.

• The mucus membrane that covers the wall will be lifted up.
  
• Then your surgeon will remove or move any cartilage or bone that is causing the blockage in the area.
  
• After this, your surgeon will put the mucus membrane back in place. This membrane will be held in place by stitches, splints, or packing material.

Why the Procedure is Performed

The main reasons for this surgery are:

• To repair a crooked, bent, or deformed nasal septum that blocks the airway in your nose. People with this condition usually breathe through their mouth and get infections on their nose.
  
• Uncontrollable nosebleeds
  
• To repair a hole in the nasal septum. This is called nasal perforation.

How much bleeding should I expect?

You will have some bleeding after surgery for the first day or two due to the fact that your nose will not be packed.

What if my nose continues to bleed?

Dampen a cotton ball with Afrin Original Spray and place in the nose. If bleeding persists for more than 1/2 hour, please contact the physician.

How much pain should I expect?

Little to no pain however, there will be congestion.

Do I have to call my insurance to pre-certify?

No. The office staff will take care of the pre-authorizations, however, the patient is responsible for any referrals.

Post Op Instructions

The post-operative care for septum surgery is simple, but extremely important.

• START THE FIRST DAY. Liberal use of Ocean Spray (salt water) is vital. You should buy it at once in the store, then refill with salt solution. Irrigate your nose as well. (One tablespoon of salt to one quart of water.)
• Use Afrin Original Spray in each nostril 3x day for five days.
• If bleeding persists, call the office. The best treatment for this is a cotton ball with Afrin Original (oxymetazoline) placed in the nose.
• Start antibiotics the next day. Avoid aspirin for pain.
• Do not blow your nose. If you sneeze keep your mouth open.

Expect nasal congestion and stuffiness for about two weeks. Also expect some pain on upper/lower jaw, teeth, ears, and neck.

Following surgery, several sinus debridements are necessary for proper healing. This procedure is done in the office.