Septoplasty

What is nasal septum surgery (septoplasty)?

Medical terminology also refers to the cartilaginous wall separating the nostrils as the nasal septum. "Septum" is Latin for "partition or barrier" and is also used to describe other separative anatomical structures. In surgery, the ending "-plasty" indicates the remodeling or transformation of a part of the body.

Collectively, "septoplasty" means a surgical method of correcting a deviated nasal septum.

Who is eligible for nasal septum surgery?

Generally, a deviated nasal septum should only be surgically corrected in cases of severe discomfort, such as when the patient's ability to breathe through the nose is impeded.

A deviated nasal septum may be congenital or result from trauma, such as road accidents or inflammations in the area of the nose. Deviations of the nasal septum occur very frequently and usually do not need to be treated.

Surgery generally is not recommended before the age of 18, as it may disrupt the growth of the bones.

Procedure and duration of a nasal septum surgery

The operation is performed under general anesthesia in most of the cases. To prevent any blood from running down the throat, a tamponade is placed in the nose. The nose is cleaned and the nasal hair is gently trimmed. Swabs are being soaked with nasal spray to help reduce the swelling of the nasal mucosa.

The procedure is performed via one nostril. First, the mucosa of the nasal septum needs to be separated from the underlying cartilage at the front of the nose, as well as further back, where bone is found underneath. At the affected area, bone or cartilage is removed. Once the septum appears straight, the mucosa is reattached and secured with stitches.

For about 5 days a film is inserted and for about 24 hours each nostril is filled with a tamponade.

Risks and potential complications

Bleeding may generally be encountered during and after the operation. Nearby structures may be damaged and in the course of healing there may be abnormalities. Among these are inflammation, changes in smell and sensation, dryness of the nasal mucosa and changes in the shape of the external nose.

Recovery process and follow-up care

If the recovery process is without complications, patients can be released from the hospital after 2 to 3 days. However, in case of postoperative bleeding, severe pain or fever, patients are urged to return for immediate medical attention.

During the hospitalization and even thereafter, regular suctioning of the nose is performed and an ointment is applied.

At the earliest, physical exercise can be resumed after 2 weeks. Until then, patients should also avoid hot baths, hair washing and blowing the nose.

Will your health insurance pay for a septoplasty?

The costs of a nasal septum operation are covered by your health insurance if a specialized ear-nose-throat doctor has confirmed that the operation is medically justified.

In contrast, a septorhinoplasty, which refers to an additional cosmetic correction of the external nose, must be paid from your own pocket.

What clinics and doctors specialize in nasal septum operations?

If you're in need of a doctor, you expect the best medical care possible. So of course patients are curious to find out what clinic to go to. As there is no objective way to answer this question and a legitimate doctor would never claim to be the best, patients must rely on a doctor's experience.

Let us help you find an expert for your condition. All listed doctors and clinics have been reviewed by us for their outstanding specialization in the field of septoplasty and are looking forward to your inquiry or wish for treatment.

Sources:

• Amboss, Nachschlagewerk für Mediziner: https://next.amboss.com/de/article/m70Vmh#Z252d234ecd7dcc59e525a34e207b60b9 
• www.medpertise.de/nasenscheidewand-op/krankenkasse-kosten/
• Kluge, etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, 24. Auflage, de Gruyter, 2002, Berlin