Why is this procedure done?
Septoplasty is done to correct problems of the septum of your nose. A septum is a wall that divides the nostrils. It is made of bone and hard tissue called cartilage. The surgery is done to: ‚
- Fix a septum that is out of place and is blocking your nose
- Straighten your septum
- Repair a crooked, bent, or deformed septum that blocks your ability to breathe
- Repair a hole in your septum
- Control sinus infections
- Control irregular nose bleeding
What will the results be?
You will have a repaired and straightened septum. Your breathing problems will be improved. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbs you are taking. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. You may also be given a drug to help you relax.
- Your doctor will make a cut inside your nose. The moist tissue or lining of your septum and the bend in it will be removed. When this is done, the septum tends to straighten out and the lining is put back in place.
- Your doctor will close the cut with stitches and cover it with clean bandages. A special splint may also be put into the nose to keep the septum in place while it heals.
- This procedure may take 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will feel some pain. Your doctor will give you drugs for pain and swelling.
- Your nose will be packed with cotton to control bleeding. The packing will be removed after 1 to 2 days.
- You can go home after surgery.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Numbness in the nose
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Hean and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/noseSurgery.cfm ‚
American Rhinological Association ‚
http://care.american-rhinologic.org/septoplasty_turbinates ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚