Septoplasty

Alternative Names: Nasal septum repair

Septoplasty is surgery to correct any problems in the nasal septum, the wall inside the nose that separates the nostrils.

See also: Rhinoplasty

Description of Procedure

Most patients receive general anesthesia before septoplasty. This will make you asleep and pain-free. Some people have the surgery under local anesthesia, which numbs the area to block pain. You will stay awake if you have local anesthesia. Surgery takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Patients usually go home the same day.

Your surgeon will make a cut inside the wall on one side of your nose.

• The mucus membrane that covers the wall will be lifted up.
• Then your surgeon will remove or move any cartilage or bone that is causing the blockage in the area.
• After this, your surgeon will put the mucus membrane back in place. This membrane will be held in place by stitches, splints, or packing material.

Risks of Septoplasty

Risks for any surgery are:

• Allergic reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems
• Heart problems
• Bleeding
• Infection

Risks for this surgery are:

• Return of the nasal blockage. This would require another surgery.
• Scarring
• A perforation, or hole, in the septum wall
• Changes in skin sensation
• Unevenness in the appearance of the nose
• Skin discoloration
• Fluid buildup in the nose

Septoplasty - series

Review Date: 3/5/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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