Septoplasty-Delhi

Before septoplasty is performed,
● Your doctor will want to know your medical history, medications, and possible allergies
● Around 1 week before the surgery, you will be advised to stop taking any medications which may interfere with the surgery
● Your doctor will perform a physical examination and inspect the inside and outside of your nose
● You may be asked to undergo routine tests, such as a blood test and X-ray
● Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of the surgery
● Since the surgery is mostly performed under general anaesthesia, you will be asked not to eat or drink 8 to 10 hours before the surgery

● Septoplasty is generally an outpatient procedure, so you can go home on the same day of the surgery.
● It is not advisable to drive under the effect of general anaesthesia, so you should request a family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure.
● It is usually performed under general anaesthesia but may also be performed under local anaesthesia.
● The surgical procedure may take between 30 to 120 minutes to complete.
● The surgeon makes an incision on one side of your nose to access the septum.
● The mucous membrane (the protective covering of the septum) is lifted up and the deviated septum is moved into the correct position.
● Extra pieces of bone or cartilage are removed during the reshaping of the septum.
● The mucous membrane is repositioned, and stitches are added to hold the septum and membrane in place.
● Further, soft packing (for 24 to 36 hours) or silicone splints (for 1 to 2 weeks) may be inserted to hold the nasal tissue in place, prevent nosebleeds, and avoid the formation of scar tissue.

At the Hospital
● After the surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room and monitored for complications.
● It is an outpatient procedure and you can go home on the same day.
● You can expect pain in and around the nose area, stuffiness due to swelling, and nasal drainage of blood and mucous. The doctor may prescribe painkillers for pain relief.
● A follow up visit will be advised after 7 to 10 days by your doctor.

At Home
Once you are home after septoplasty:
● Take rest, and do not take a shower/bath for the first 24 hours.
● Do not rub or touch your nose.
● Apply an ice pack to the nose and eye area to reduce pain and swelling.
● Sleep with your head elevated.
● Do not blow your nose for several weeks.
● Avoid pulling clothing over your head.
● Stay away from dusty or smoky places.
● You can return to work or school after 1 to 2 weeks but avoid any strenuous activities.
● Healing is slow, and it may take 3 to 6 months for the nasal tissues to stabilise.

Risks associated with septoplasty are rare, but may include the following:
● Continued nasal obstruction
● Excessive bleeding
● Scarring
● Septal perforation
● Infection and/or toxic shock syndrome (a rare, life-threatening complication of certain infections)
● Temporary numbness in the upper teeth and lip or tip of the nose
● Altered nose shape
● Discolouration of the nose
● Change in taste and smell
● Vocal changes
● Hematoma (swelling caused by clotted blood in tissue)
● Abscess (a pocket of pus) formation
● Spinal fluid leakage

Some patients may not be satisfied with the results of the septoplasty and additional surgery may be required in such cases.