The nasal septum is a structure composed of cartilage and bone, which separates the left from the right nasal cavity. Septal deviation is a common problem and can be present from birth or can occur after a nasal injury. People frequently have nasal septal deviation without any significant symptoms. In some people, nasal septal deviation can cause nasal airway obstruction.

Septoplasty is a procedure in which nasal septal deviation is corrected. Septoplasty is done by making incisions inside the nose and correcting both bony and cartilaginous deviations. Septoplasty generally does not change the outer appearance of the nose. Again, the main purpose of septoplasty is to straighten the nasal septum and improve nasal airway. Septoplasty may be done in conjunction with other procedures. Reduction of the turbinate bones is frequently performed with septoplasty to improve nasal airway. Turbinate bones are structures on the sidewalls of the nasal cavity, which are covered with a mucosal lining that humidifies the nasal airway. If these bones - are enlarged, they can contribute to nasal obstruction.

The risks of septoplasty include: 1) Bleeding; 2) Infection; 3) Septal perforation which can cause crusting, bleeding, and nasal whistling; 4) Change in sensation of taste and smell; 5) Spinal fluid leak and/or meningitis; 6) Intranasal scarring; 7) Post-operative healing abnormality causing redeviation of the nasal septum; 8) Anesthetic complications including cardiac arrhythmia and breathing difficulties.

BEFORE SURGERY:

1. Nothing by mouth after midnight the evening before surgery except for medications as instructed by the anesthesiologist at the preoperative evaluation.
2. Notify your doctor of cough, fever, or other symptoms of respiratory tract infection develops prior to surgery.
3. Avoid aspirin, aspirin containing products, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for 2 weeks prior to surgery. Avoid vitamin E for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
4. Plan to remain in town for 2 weeks after surgery.

SEPTOPLASTY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Take antibiotic and pain medication as directed.
2. Nasal saline spray (Ocean, Ayr, etc.) 2 - 3 puffs each nostril every 2 - 4 hour while awake and as needed for crusting.
3. Limit physical activity for one week.
4. Avoid nose blowing for one week.
5. Sneeze with mouth open.
6. Small Amount of nasal or postnasal drainage is common after surgery. Although not mandatory, a drip pad may be taped under the nose until drainage - subsides.
7. Avoid aspirin, aspirin containing products including ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, or similar anti-inflammatory medications fog two weeks after surgery Tylenol is permitted.
8. Call for any heavy bleeding, problems with vision, swelling, bruising around the eye, or temperature of greater than 101.5 degrees.
9. Please call the office to confirm your follow-up appointment. At the follow-up appointment, nasal splints, if placed at the time of surgery, will be removed.
10. Avoid undue exposure to fatigue, as this may predispose upper respiratory tract infections.

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