Septoplasty is a common nasal procedure performed to alleviate breathing difficulties. Patients often wonder if it is considered a “major” or “minor” surgery. This article clarifies the characteristics of septoplasty, its classification, and what patients can anticipate.
Understanding Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct a deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is a wall made of cartilage and bone that divides the two nostrils. When this septum is crooked or off-center, it is referred to as a deviated septum, which can obstruct airflow through one or both sides of the nose.
This condition can lead to persistent nasal congestion, recurrent nosebleeds, and difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or sleep. The primary goal of septoplasty is to straighten the septum by trimming, reshaping, or repositioning the bone and cartilage, thereby improving nasal breathing. Surgeons often work through incisions made inside the nostrils, leaving no external scars.
Assessing Surgical Severity
Surgeries are classified based on factors including complexity, duration, the type of anesthesia used, the potential for significant blood loss, and the impact on major organs. Septoplasty is considered an intermediate or moderately complex procedure, often categorized as a minor or low-risk surgery. It is distinct from extensive operations like open-heart or brain surgery due to its localized nature and lower overall systemic impact.
The procedure takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Most septoplasties are performed under general anesthesia, though local anesthesia with sedation can be an option. It is typically an outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to return home the same day after anesthesia recovery.
The Recovery Journey
Following septoplasty, patients can expect an initial recovery period of about one to two weeks, though complete healing of the bone and cartilage may take several months. Immediately after surgery, it is common to experience some discomfort, swelling, and nasal congestion. Pain and pressure around the eyes, forehead, cheeks, and upper teeth are normal and typically subside within a few days.
Nasal packing or soft silicone splints may be placed inside the nostrils to support the septum and manage bleeding, which will cause the nose to feel blocked. Patients are advised to rest, keep their head elevated, and avoid blowing their nose for at least a week to prevent complications. Gradual return to light activities is possible after the first week, but strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks, up to six weeks.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Septoplasty is generally considered a safe procedure with a high success rate, typically around 80-85% for improving symptoms, but potential risks exist. Common risks include bleeding, which is normal, and the possibility of infection. Patients may also experience temporary numbness in the upper gum, teeth, or nose.
More rare, but serious complications include a septal perforation, which is a hole in the septum, or a change in the external shape of the nose. Some individuals may not experience the desired improvement in breathing, or the septum could re-deviate over time, potentially requiring a second surgery. A decrease in the sense of smell or taste can occur.