What is nasal septum reconstruction?

Nasal septum reconstruction, or nasal septoplasty, is a procedure in which the doctor straightens the nasal septum, the central wall that divides the two nostrils of the nose.

When is it used?

Reasons for doing this procedure include:

• The septum is deviated (bent out of shape) from an injury and you have a lot of difficulty breathing through your nose.

• You have recurring sinus infections or pain due to a deviated nasal septum.

• The septum has a hematoma (a blood clot) as a result of an injury and does not allow you to breathe normally.

An example of an alternative is to choose not to have treatment, recognizing the risks of your condition. You should ask your doctor about this choice.

How do I prepare for nasal septoplasty?

Plan for your care and recovery after the operation, especially if you are to have general anesthesia. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties. Plan to take about 1 week off from work.

Follow any instructions your doctor may give you. If you are to have general anesthesia, eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

No special preparation is needed for local anesthesia.

What happens during the procedure?

A local or general anesthetic is given. A general anesthetic will relax your muscles and make you feel as if you are in a deep sleep. It will prevent you from feeling pain during the operation. A local anesthetic is a drug that should keep you from feeling pain during the operation.

The doctor makes a cut inside the lining of your nose. The doctor drains the blood clot and/or reshapes the bones and cartilage so they will heal in a more normal position. The doctor may put a splint in your nose so the bones and cartilage are more likely to stay in place and may pack your nose with material to control the bleeding.

What happens after the procedure?

You may go home later in the day or may need to spend a couple of days in the hospital depending on the extent of the operation, how quickly your nose heals, how much pain you have, and the effects of the anesthetic. Your nose may be packed for 3 to 4 days. Avoid all heavy activity for at least 1 week and do not stress, push on, or move the nose while it is healing. Do not blow your nose.

Ask your doctor what other steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

You may breathe more easily.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• There are some risks when you have general anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your doctor.

• A local anesthetic may not numb the area enough and you may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is considered safer than general anesthesia.

• You may lose some of the feeling in your upper lip or teeth. Your front teeth may become numb.

• Rarely, the front part of your nose may be flatter than before.

• There is a risk of infection and/or bleeding.

• Your septum may have a hole through it.

You should ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if:

• You develop a fever.

• You have difficulty breathing.

• You have a significant nosebleed.

Call the doctor during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.

• You want to make another appointment.