Septoplasty

About Septoplasty

Septoplasty straightens the deviated nasal septum to improve nasal airflow. Some degree of nasal septal deviation is very common in adults, and when significant it can cause unilateral or bilateral obstruction, congestion, sinusitis, epistaxis, and sleep disturbance. The procedure is performed endonasally through a Killian or hemitransfixion incision, elevation of mucoperichondrial and mucoperiosteal flaps, removal or reshaping of deviated cartilage and bone preserving an L shaped strut of cartilage along the bridge and front edge of the septum to prevent saddle nose, and repositioning of the septum. Nasal packing or internal splints may be placed for a short period. Recovery typically involves temporary congestion, mild pain and drainage. Complications include septal perforation creating turbulent airflow and crusting, bleeding, infection, synechia adhesions between septum and turbinate, persistent deviation requiring revision, and very rare cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea from cribriform plate injury. Functional rhinoplasty may be combined with septoplasty for external nasal valve compromise.