Correction of the Nasal Septum — Septoplasty
What Is the Nasal Septum and Why Does It Deform
The nasal septum is composed of cartilage and bone, dividing the nasal cavity into two parts. Ideally, it should be straight, allowing air to pass evenly through both nostrils. Yet, around 70–80% of people have some degree of deviation.
Deformation can be:
- Congenital– present from birth;
- Acquired– due to trauma, fracture, or inflammation.
Even small deviations may not be visible but can cause significant breathing difficulties.
How Septal Deviation Affects Breathing
When the septum is deviated, one side of the nose becomes partially blocked while the other develops swelling and congestion. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose (often one-sided);
- Constant congestion or snoring;
- Dryness or mucus buildup;
- Headaches, fatigue, insomnia;
- Frequent sinusitis or ear infections;
- Reduced sense of smell.
Mouth breathing can lead to throat dryness, chronic cough, and overall oxygen deficiency.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is made throughendoscopic examination, which allows the doctor to assess the septum and nasal structures precisely. In some cases,CT scansare performed to plan surgery or detect other issues such as polyps or sinusitis.
What Is Septoplasty
Septoplastyis a surgical procedure designed to straighten the nasal septum and restore normal breathing. It is performedendoscopically, without external incisions, using a small camera and specialized instruments through the nasal passages. Only the obstructing portion is corrected, and the external shape of the nose remains unchanged — septoplasty is afunctional, not a cosmetic, procedure.
Procedure Overview
- Performed under general or local anesthesia.
- Average duration: 30–40 minutes.
- The surgeon reshapes or removes parts of cartilage or bone blocking airflow.
- Soft silicone splints are placed in the nose for 1–2 days.
Patients are usually discharged the next day and fully recover within 7–10 days.
Advantages of Modern Endoscopic Septoplasty
- No external scars or deformities;
- Painless procedure;
- Minimal bleeding;
- Fast recovery;
- Complete restoration of natural breathing;