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Article Series: Cosmetic Surgery
Learn All
About Cosmetic Surgery
Surgery
for Your Deviated Septum
Some people undergo nose surgery in order
to help overcome a deviated septum. The septum is a structure
located between the nostrils that separate the nasal passages.
Made of both bone and cartilage, its job is to direct airflow
and support the nose. A person with a deviated septum has cartilage
or bone in his or her nose that is not straight. As a result
of the crooked septum, the patient may have difficulty breathing.
In addition, some people with a deviated septum have problems
with snoring and with sleep apnea.
Causes of a Deviated Septum
A septum can be deviated as the result of a birth defect of
from an injury, such as when the nose is broken. The septum
can also become deviated during the aging process, causing
it to bend to one side or another. In fact, most people have
a somewhat crooked septum; it just isn’t a problem because
the bend is so slight. Nose surgery to fix the problem is only
necessary when the deviated septum causes breathing problems
or excessive and problematic snoring.
Problems Associated with a Deviated Septum
Some people with a deviated septum do not experience problems.
Others have difficulty breathing, particularly on one side
or experience frequent runny noses. Sleep apnea is another
common occurrence for those who have a deviated septum. Sleep
apnea is a disorder causing a person to stop breathing or to
have slowed breathing during sleep that lasts for 10 seconds
or more. Sleep apnea can be mild, moderate, or severe. The
severity of the disorder depends on how many times the person’s
breathing stops or slows during the night.
There are three forms of sleep apnea. The type associated
with a deviated septum is called obstructive sleep apnea, or
OSA. This type of apnea results from a blocked airflow during
sleep such as; the narrowed passageway caused by the deviated
septum.
Surgery for a Deviated Septum
Nose surgery performed for the purpose of correcting a deviated
septum is called septoplasty. It is also sometimes referred
to as septal reconstruction or submucous resection. The procedure
is sometimes performed along with other surgical procedures
intended to help treat chronic sinusitis, bleeding, inflammation,
or sleep apnea. It may also be done in order to allow the surgeon
to gain access to removing nasal polyps.
Before the surgery takes place, the surgeon will use an endoscope
to look into the nasal passage. This thin medical instrument
contains a light and makes it possible to see behind the deviated
septum. The endoscope is also sometimes used during the actual
surgery.
In order to undergo the procedure, the patient may be given
either a local or a general anesthesia. The actual operation
generally takes only 60 to 90 minutes and is often done on
an outpatient basis at a surgery center. In order to repair
the septum, the doctor works through the nostrils. He makes
an incision in order to separate the mucosa, which is an outer
layer of soft tissue lining the nasal passages and the septum,
from the bone and cartilage. The surgeon then straightens the
bent cartilage and replaces the mucosa.
Risks of Surgery
As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with surgery
on the septum. In addition to common risks, such as those encountered
by patients with diabetes and heart problems, patients may
have a negative reaction to the anesthesia used during surgery.
In some cases, a small hole forms in the septum as a result
of the surgery, as well. This hole is rarely serious and usually
does not require treatment. In some cases, however, additional
surgery may be necessary to repair the hole. This is particularly
true if it causes discomfort to the patient of if an infection
occurs.
After Surgery
After surgery is complete, the patient may have to wear a
nasal splint or have a pack inside his or her nose for a period
of time. The splint is intended to help keep the septum straight
while it heals. The packing also assists with this, as well
as helps stop bleeding. The packing may need to stay in place
for up to three days. Both the splint and the pack have tubes
placed in them to help the patient breathe. Often, patients
are instructed to refrain from blowing their noses following
the procedure and to sneeze with their mouths open to help
alleviate pressure as the nose heals.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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