A stuffy nose is excruciating. It’s hard to sleep, and your nasopharynx is constantly dry because you can’t breathe through it. Your loved ones complain about your snoring. It’s difficult to exercise because any exertion deprives you of oxygen. If nasal drops, irrigation, and other conservative treatments don’t help, it’s worth getting diagnosed and determining the cause of your breathing difficulty. A deviated septum may be the cause. Consulting a Sinus Surgery Specialist can help determine if deviated septum surgery is necessary. With the procedure, this issue can be corrected, allowing you to finally breathe deeply. Yes, surgery is necessary in some cases, but your quality of life could be significantly improved afterward.
A deviated septum is corrected with septoplasty
A deviated septum is corrected with septoplasty, a procedure in which the surgeon removes a deviated piece of cartilage and/or bone, thereby straightening the nasal septum. The goal of this procedure is to restore normal nasal breathing and prevent potential complications.
Sometimes, septoplasty is combined with nasal reshaping, a procedure called rhinoseptoplasty. Septum correction is also combined, when indicated, with vasotomy —a procedure in which dilated vessels are removed from the nasal turbinates using a laser, cryotherapy device, or scalpel.
The septum is significantly deviated
A deviated septum is more than just an annoying defect that interferes with your ability to live and breathe freely. If you’re planning a pregnancy and your septum is significantly deviated, you’re at high risk of developing rhinitis of pregnancy. Other complications are also possible, including impaired blood supply to the brain, chronic rhinosinusitis and rhinitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, and other unpleasant consequences.
Symptoms of a deviated septum
Septoplasty surgery may help if you experience these symptoms regularly:
- nasal congestion, forced to breathe through the mouth
- headache
- dizziness, weakness, constant fatigue
- frequent runny nose, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis
- sore throat
- nosebleeds
- snore
- sleep problems, apnea
- reduced sense of smell
- hearing problems
Indications and contraindications for nasal surgery
Septoplasty is indicated for you if a deviated septum interferes with your life and causes discomfort.
However, like any surgical intervention, septoplasty has contraindications:
- infectious diseases, acute respiratory viral infections
- malignant tumor
- diabetes mellitus
- respiratory diseases in the acute stage
- pregnancy, lactation
- bleeding disorders (some clinics accept such patients, but this must be clarified individually)
- age up to 18 years (until the bones are fully formed), unless there are special indications for urgent septoplasty
- An otolaryngologist examines images of a patient with a deviated septum.
Diagnosis of a deviated nasal septum
To find out whether surgery is necessary in your case, you need to undergo diagnostics. To determine the degree of septal deviation and select the appropriate surgical method, the otolaryngologist will conduct an initial examination and prescribe the following tests:
- Rhinoscopic examination, nasal endoscopy (examination of the nasal cavity using various methods).
- X-ray of the nose to assess the condition of the bones.
- Sometimes a CT scan of the nose and paranasal sinuses is prescribed to identify hidden problems (cysts, polyps).
Acoustic rhinometry (assessment of nasal respiratory function).
What types of septoplasty do clinics offer?
The choice of a specific treatment method will depend on the severity of the deviated septum, the capabilities of the clinic, and the specific doctor.
- Classic, traditional septoplasty involves cutting the skin with a scalpel, removing part of the cartilage, and sometimes part of the bone.
- Endoscopic septoplasty requires no incisions and is performed under the guidance of an endoscope with a video camera at the end. The surgeon inserts instruments through openings in the endoscope.
- Laser septoplasty is similar to the classic method, but uses a laser instead of a conventional scalpel. This method is more effective for correcting minor cartilage curvatures when the bone is spared.
- Any intervention requires preparation: you must undergo tests (blood, urine, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and C), an ECG, and a chest X-ray. Your doctor will prescribe a specific list of necessary tests.
Otolaryngologists perform septoplasty on a patient with a deviated septum.
The cost of surgery for a deviated nasal septum
The cost of the surgery depends on the severity of the curvature and the chosen surgical technique. It’s important to clarify whether the septoplasty price includes anesthesia and hospital stay. The surgeon can only provide a precise cost after an examination and diagnosis. If you’ve already had your nasal septum examined, you can find out the specific cost of septoplasty in your case. To do this, fill out the contact form in the profile of the appropriate clinic or doctor. You’ll receive detailed quotes from the clinics with transparent cost estimates and all the necessary details to make a decision about the procedure.
How to choose the best clinic and doctor?
You should ask an ear, nose, and throat specialist the necessary questions to fully understand the procedure. Find out what method the surgeon will use to correct the nasal septum, what type of anesthesia will be administered, and whether there will be any visible scars. Ask how long you will need to stay in the hospital, what possible complications might arise, and what steps to take if something unexpected happens. Clarify whether the doctor recommends additional procedures, how to prepare for the surgery, and what restrictions will apply after the septoplasty. This is the bare minimum information you need before deciding on treatment at a particular clinic. If you are seeking a consultation with an experienced surgeon for nasal septum correction, or want to find doctors who perform high-quality procedures, you can consult Consultant ENT for expert care.
