Doctors for Septoplasty in Mumbai

Septoplasty operation performed to correct the deviation or crookedness of the nasal cartilage and bone. It is a commonly employed technique within the field of Otorhinolaryngology aimed at improving nasal airflow and alleviating nasal obstruction. Individuals experiencing difficulty in breathing due to a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or underlying conditions like chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps often benefit from this procedure. The term ‘septoplasty’ combines two key elements: ‘septo,’ representing a wall or partition, and ‘plasty,’ referring to the act of shaping, grafting, or reconstructing various body parts. Hence, septoplasty treatment involves the repositioning of a deviated or crooked nasal wall or partition, restoring it to its optimal form and functionality. By addressing the underlying structural abnormalities, septoplasty aims to enhance nasal function, promote better airflow, and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals affected by nasal obstruction.

There are various types of septoplasty procedures available. Here are the different types of septoplasty operation in detail;

• Traditional Septoplasty: This involves making an incision within the nose to gain access to the septum. Through this incision, the surgeon carefully manipulates and reshapes the cartilage and bone, aiming to improve breathing and alleviate nasal obstruction. Soluble sutures are used to close the incision. While swelling and discomfort are common during the recovery period, most patients are able to resume work within a week.
• Endoscopic Septoplasty: It is a less invasive technique that utilizes an endoscope, a slender tube equipped with a camera, to guide the surgeon during the procedure. This enables a more detailed visualization of the septum, facilitating precise adjustments. Compared to traditional septoplasty, endoscopic septoplasty generally leads to a shorter recovery time.
• Laser Septoplasty: In laser septoplasty, a laser is employed to remove small amounts of tissue from the deviated septum. The procedure is performed under endoscopic guidance, allowing for accurate modifications. Laser septoplasty treatment is known to cause reduced bleeding during the recovery period, which typically has a similar duration to endoscopic septoplasty.
• Balloon Sinuplasty: This procedure targets chronic sinusitis in addition to correcting the deviated septum. A balloon is inserted into the sinus cavity and inflated to enlarge the apertures and improve drainage. To improve breathing, this operation is frequently done with septoplasty. Recovery time is relatively short, although some discomfort and congestion may persist for a few days.
• Radiofrequency Septoplasty: It involves using radiofrequency energy to shrink the tissue in the deviated septum. This helps to alleviate blockages and improve nasal airflow. This minimally invasive procedure offers a brief recovery period, although it may not be suitable for severe cases of septal deviation.
• Partial Septoplasty: This surgical approach is suitable for patients with minor deviations in the septum. Rather than reshaping the entire septum, only the deviated portion is removed. Recovery time is generally short, and discomfort is minimal.
• Revision Septoplasty: Itis performed to correct previous unsuccessful or complicated septoplasty surgeries. The surgeon may employ a combination of techniques to rectify the problem. Recovery time for revision septoplasty is similar to that of traditional septoplasty.
• Closed Septoplasty: Closed septoplasty closely resembles traditional septoplasty, but incisions are made inside the nose, resulting in no visible scarring. The recovery time and effectiveness of closed septoplasty are comparable to traditional septoplasty.
• Submucous Resection Septoplasty: During this technique the surgeon removes the mucous membrane from the septum, and reshapes the cartilage and bone. Compared to standard septoplasty, this treatment often requires a longer recovery period, and patients may feel greater pain.
• Bilateral Septoplasty: It addresses blockages in both nostrils. The recovery time for bilateral septoplasty is similar to that of traditional septoplasty. However, patients may experience increased discomfort during the healing process.

Here are the important tests performed before septoplasty operation;

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is carried out by the ENT specialist to assess the nasal passages and determine the extent of nasal septal deviation. This examination helps evaluate the degree of blockage and identify any associated nasal conditions that may impact the surgical procedure.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A complete blood count test is performed to analyze the levels of different components in the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It assists in identifying underlying illnesses like anemia or infections that could raise the risk of problems during or following surgery.
• Liver Function Test (LFT): The LFT measures the liver's production of several chemicals, including enzymes. Since septoplasty surgery involves the administration of anesthesia, which can potentially impact liver function, assessing liver health is crucial to ensure the safe administration of anesthesia.
• Kidney Function Test (KFT): The KFT assesses kidney function by examining the concentrations of various chemicals, such as uric acid and creatinine, in the blood. Septoplasty surgery puts stress on the kidneys due to the use of intravenous fluids. Evaluating kidney function is important to prevent complications related to poor renal function during or after the surgery.
• Urine Routine and Microscopy: This test examines the urine for the presence of infections or abnormalities. Given that urinary catheters may be utilized during septoplasty surgery, it is essential to rule out pre-existing urinary tract infections to minimize the risk of postoperative complications.
• Viral Markers: Viral marker tests screen for blood-borne viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Septoplasty surgery involves the use of surgical instruments that come into contact with the patient's blood and mucous membranes, presenting a potential risk of viral transmission. Screening for these infections is crucial to ensure patient safety.
• Blood Grouping: Determining the patient's blood group is essential before septoplasty surgery. A blood transfusion can be required in the uncommon event if there is severe blood loss during the procedure. Knowing the patient's blood group beforehand ensures that compatible blood is readily available if required.

A septoplasty procedure is used to fix a deviated septum. The following steps outline the typical process of a septoplasty;

• Preparation: Before the surgery, the patient is prepared by administering anesthesia to ensure their comfort and a pain-free experience. General anesthesia is commonly used, inducing a state of sleep throughout the procedure.
• Incision: On one side of the nose, the surgeon makes an incision to begin the surgery. This incision is strategically placed within the nostril, ensuring that there are no visible external scars.
• Lifting the Mucosa: This guarantees that the septum will heal properly and remain stable. This step provides access to the deviated septum and allows for precise reshaping.
• Reshaping the Septum: The surgeon proceeds to reshape the deviated septum using various techniques. These techniques may involve cutting, removing, or repositioning parts of the bone or cartilage. The goal is to establish a straightened septum that facilitates improved airflow through the nostrils.
• Repositioning the Mucosa: Once the septum has been reshaped, the surgeon meticulously repositions the mucosa and sutures it back into place. This ensures proper healing and stability of the septum.
• Splints or Packing: In certain cases, the surgeon may choose to place splints or packs inside the nostrils. This provides support to the newly reshaped septum and helps minimize postoperative bleeding. The decision to use splints or packing depends on the extent of the surgery and the specific needs of the patient.
• Recovery: The patient is sent to a recovery room once the procedure is over, where they are closely watched as the anesthetic progressively wears off. Most patients are able to go home the same day of surgery once they are completely awake and have been evaluated by the medical staff.

Septoplasty has a number of important advantages that enhance patients' quality of life. The following advantages highlight the positive outcomes associated with septoplasty;

• Improved Breathing: Septoplasty involves the straightening of the nasal septum, which leads to enhanced airflow and improved breathing. Septoplasty can treat a deviated septum and relieve symptoms like nasal congestion, trouble breathing through the nose, and snoring. The general respiratory health may benefit from this.
• Reduced Risk of Sinus Infections: A deviated septum can contribute to the buildup of mucus and blockages in the nasal passages, increasing the risk of sinus infections. By correcting the structural abnormalities of the septum, septoplasty helps to improve the drainage of the sinuses. This reduces the likelihood of recurrent sinus infections and associated symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, and nasal discharge.
• Improved Quality of Sleep: Septoplasty can significantly improve sleep quality for individuals who experience breathing difficulties or sleep disorders due to a deviated septum. By correcting the nasal obstruction and improving airflow, septoplasty can alleviate snoring, sleep apnea, and related sleep disturbances, allowing for a more restful sleep.
• Enhanced Sense of Smell and Taste: A deviated septum can impact the senses of smell and taste, leading to a diminished ability to appreciate aromas and flavors. By restoring proper nasal airflow through septoplasty, the sense of smell and taste can be enhanced, resulting in a more enjoyable sensory experience and improved overall quality of life.
• Enhanced Facial Symmetry: In addition to its functional benefits, septoplasty can also contribute to improved facial symmetry. A deviated septum can give the nose an unbalanced or crooked appearance. By correcting the septal deviation, septoplasty can help restore facial harmony and aesthetics, enhancing the overall facial appearance.
• Quicker Recovery: Septoplasty often has a quick recovery period and is well-tolerated by patients. Within a week or two after surgery, the majority of patients can anticipate returning to their regular activities. The prompt recovery allows individuals to experience the benefits of improved nasal function and breathing without prolonged downtime or disruption to their daily lives.

The following potential side effects are associated with septoplasty;

• Pain and Discomfort: After the surgery, patients may experience pain and discomfort in the nose and nasal cavity. However, the surgeon can prescribe appropriate pain medication to help alleviate these symptoms and ensure the patient's comfort during the recovery process.
• Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising around and under the eyes are common side effects following septoplasty. As the healing process advances, these effects usually go away in a few days or weeks.
• Bleeding and Discharge: It is normal to experience some bleeding and nasal discharge for a few days following septoplasty. This is a normal healing process as the surgically repaired nasal tissue heals.
• Nasal Blockage and Congestion: Despite the corrective nature of septoplasty, some patients may still experience a sensation of nasal blockage or congestion. However, with proper post-operative care, such as saline nasal rinses and the use of prescribed nasal sprays, this transient condition can generally be managed effectively.
• Changes in Sense of Smell: Swelling and inflammation resulting from the surgery can temporarily affect the sense of smell. As the nasal passages heal, this transitory change in scent normally goes away within a few days or weeks.
• Infection: As the nasal passages heal, this transitory change in scent normally goes away within a few days or weeks.
• Septal Perforation: Although extremely rare, there is a small possibility of developing a perforation or hole in the septum as a complication of septoplasty.

Your surgeon will provide you detailed post-operative instructions that are personalized for your particular situation. Although the average recovery period typically spans from 1 to 2 weeks, it is essential to note that individual experiences may differ. To facilitate a smooth recovery after septoplasty, the following steps should be followed;

• Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with specific post-operative instructions that are tailored to your unique circumstances. It is crucial to carefully adhere to these instructions, which may include guidance on medication administration, incision site care, and the use of nasal sprays. Following these guidelines encourages ideal healing and lowers the chance of problems.
• Rest and Avoid Physical Activity: The healing process depends critically on getting enough sleep. By taking time off from work or school, your body can heal properly. Engaging in physical activities such as sports or heavy lifting should be avoided during this time, as they can exert pressure on the nasal area and disrupt the healing process.
• Maintain Nasal Cleanliness: Ensuring cleanliness in the nasal area is vital for a smooth recovery. Clean the inside of your nose gently with the saline solution your surgeon gave you. This practice helps maintain clear nasal passages and reduces the risk of infection.
• Avoid Forceful Nose Blowing: Forceful blowing of the nose can strain the healing tissues and potentially lead to bleeding. Instead, use a tissue to gently dab the nose when necessary. This strategy reduces the chance of interfering with healing and encourages a full recovery.
• Handle Glasses with Care: If you wear glasses, take caution to avoid direct pressure on the nasal bridge for at least six weeks after surgery. Adjust the position of your glasses to prevent them from exerting pressure on the healing nasal area. This precautionary measure safeguards the surgical site and supports the recovery process.
• Monitor for Complications: Stay vigilant and observe for any signs of complications during the recovery period. Be attentive to significant bleeding, persistent fever, or symptoms indicative of infection, such as increasing discomfort, redness, or discharge. If you encounter any of these symptoms, speak with your surgeon right away to get an accurate diagnosis and recommendations.