Nasal Septum Deviation

Normal breathing is executed by nose, which filters, moisturizes and controls the temperature of the air we are breathing. So it can be properly performed, it is necessary that there is enough space for the air to pass and no narrowings or obstacles in its way. A very common problem is nasal septum deviation (scoliosis) and lower nasal concha hypertrophy (small bones in the internal of the nose at the bottom and outside the nasal nostril). The removal or repositioning of the deviated part of the nasal septum to its normal position in combination with the nasal concha cauterisation in both sides can radically changes the anatomy of the area and leads to an increase of the quantity of the air that goes through the normal passage, which is the nose, leading to better sleep, decrease of snoring and possible sleep apnea during the night. The result as far as it concerns the seviated septum is immediate and permanent; while in case of nasal concha hypertrophy there must also be further examination for co-existing allergies or vasomotor rhinitis in order to confront them properly.

The operation

Removal or repositioning of the deviated part of the nasal septum and nasal concha cauterisation in both sides

Stages

1. A small incision is made inside one of the two nostrils (non visible after surgery)
2. Removal or repositioning of the deviated part of the nasal septum in the middle line
3. Nasal concha cauterisation in both sides and very rarely conchotomy (removal of a part of the inferior nasal concha)
4. Slight internal packing of the nose for 1 day (slight internal splint)

Anesthesia

General

Duration of surgery

40 minutes and quite rarely in operations where we have placement of transplants it may last more, 2 hours the maximum

Stay in the clinic

Discharge 6 hours after the operation. In combination with other surgeries such as UvuloPalatoPharyngoPlasty (UPPP) discharge is given the day after.

Result

Immediate and permanent

Combination with other operations

In the majority of cases inferior concha cauterisation is done and rarely inferior conchotomy. In order to confront breathing problems or snoring it could be combined with adenotomy, tonsillectomy, UvuloPalatoPharyngoPlasty (UPPP) or simple uvuloplasty. Co-existing polyps are being removed and sent for histological examination

Instructions after surgery

• Immediate mobilization after the operation
• Removal of slight internal packing of the nose (slight internal splint) the day after
• Special care for the internal of the nose by washing (with natural serum) and placement of ointments, 3 times a day for about a month
• No painkillers required
• Antibiotics given as precaution only for 4 days
• There is no sutures removal because they are internal and are being absorbed/rejected