Septoplasty


Definition

Septoplasty is surgery performed to correct any problems in the nasal septum, the structure inside the nose that separates the nose into two chambers.

Alternative Names

Nasal septum repair

Description

Most people receive general anesthesia for septoplasty. You will be asleep and pain-free. Some people 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 1½ hours. Most people go home the same day.

To do the procedure:

The surgeon makes a cut inside the wall on one side of your nose.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

The main reasons for this surgery are:

Risks

Risks for any surgery are:

Risks for this surgery are:

Before the Procedure

Before the procedure:

After the Procedure

After the procedure:

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most septoplasty procedures are able to straighten the septum. Breathing usually improves.

References

Beswick DM, Ramakrishnan VR. Septoplasty and turbinate surgery. In: Scholes MA, Ramakrishnan VR, eds. ENT Secrets. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 28.

Gillman GS, Lee SE. Septoplasty - classic and endoscopic. In: Meyers EN, Snyderman CH, eds. Operative Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 95.

Kridel RWH, Sturm A. The nasal septum. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 29.

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