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Septoplasty Description:
The goal of the surgery is to straighten out the nasal septum, to relieve obstructions, or other problems related to the deviation of the septum. An incision is made internally on one side of the nasal septum. After the mucous membrane is elevated away from the bone, obstructive parts of bone and cartilage are removed, and plastic surgery is performed as necessary. Then the mucous membrane is returned to its original position.
Indications:
The main indications for nasal surgery are: Nasal airway obstruction is usually the result of a septal deformity that causes breathing by mouth, sleep apnea , or recurrent nasal infections that are slow to respond to antibiotics. A septal spur headache is defined as a headache secondary to pressure from the nasal septum on the linings in side the nose
(septal impaction) and relieved by topical (applied to a localized area of the skin) anesthesia on the septal impaction . Other intranasal surgery indicating septoplasty includes polypectomy (removal of a polyp), ethmoidectomy (operation on the ethmoid bone at the superior part of the nasal cavity), turbinate surgery (operation on the concha
nasalis), and tumor removal.
What to Expect After:
The surgery can be done either under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis or under general anesthesia during a short hospital stay. After surgery, both sides of the nose are tightly packed to avoid bleeding and to serve as a splint and maintain the mucosa in place. Packing is usually removed 24 to 36 hours after surgery.
Convalescence:
To help the healing, it is recommended that you avoid blowing the nose or performing any Valsalva maneuver (for example, when you hold your breath and tighten your muscles while bearing down for a bowel movement) for a few days after surgery. Ice packs on the nose will enhance comfort.
Risks:
Infections and excessive bleeding are the two main complications associated with
septoplasty.
Cost:
The cost of any surgery varies highly between different surgeons, between medical facilities that offer this type of operation, and in different parts of the country. The cost is broken into three parts: the surgeon's fee, the anesthesiologist's fee, and the hospital charges, which include the operating room, the medications, and nursing care. An anesthesiologist's fee averages $350 to $400 per hour. Hospital charges (basic room rate) are about $1,500 to $1,800 per day (more for the intensive care unit (ICU) or a private room). There is likely to be a medications charge of at least $200 - $400, and additional charges for other supplies used. Complications, preoperative laboratory tests, the need for an assisting surgeon, and other factors can greatly affect costs.
The approximate cost for a septoplasty averages $4,700. Physician charges start at about $1,000. If plastic surgery is done at the same time, the costs will be higher.
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