Overview

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum, improving nasal airflow and breathing.

Septoplasty is crucial for treating nasal obstruction, improving breathing, and enhancing quality of life in patients with deviated septum.

Learn more in our comprehensive RxDx ENT Course

Indications

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Nasal Obstruction

Deviated septum causing obstruction

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Sleep Apnea

Nasal obstruction contributing to OSA

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Sinusitis

Deviated septum causing sinusitis

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Snoring

Nasal obstruction causing snoring

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Cosmetic Concerns

Severe external deviation

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

✗ Patient refusal
✗ Uncontrolled bleeding
✗ Severe coagulopathy

Relative Contraindications

✗ Active infection
✗ Recent surgery
✗ Age extremes

📋 Equipment Checklist

Check off items as you gather them:

Pre-procedure Preparation

Preparation includes patient assessment, imaging review, equipment setup, and understanding contraindications.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Patient Preparation

Position patient, administer anesthesia.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor positioning
  • Inadequate anesthesia

💡 Pro Tip:

Use proper positioning.

Step 2: Incision

Make hemitransfixion incision.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Wrong incision
  • Poor exposure

💡 Pro Tip:

Use proper technique.

Step 3: Mucoperichondrial Flap

Elevate mucoperichondrial flap.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Flap tear
  • Poor exposure

💡 Pro Tip:

Use gentle technique.

Step 4: Cartilage Resection

Resect deviated cartilage.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Incomplete resection
  • Perforation

💡 Pro Tip:

Use careful technique.

Step 5: Bone Resection

Resect deviated bone if needed.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Incomplete resection
  • Injury

💡 Pro Tip:

Use proper technique.

Step 6: Closure

Close incision and pack nasal cavity.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor closure
  • Inadequate packing

💡 Pro Tip:

Use proper technique.

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Post-procedure Care

Post-procedure care involves nasal care, monitoring for complications, and long-term follow-up.

Complications & Management

Complication Incidence Signs Management Prevention
Septal perforation 1-3% Whistling sound, crusting Observation, repair Careful technique
Bleeding 2-5% Active bleeding Packing, cautery Proper hemostasis
Infection 1-2% Fever, pain Antibiotics Sterile technique
Persistent obstruction 5-10% Continued nasal obstruction Revision surgery Proper technique

Clinical Pearls

💡

Identify key landmarks.

🎯

Preserve adequate cartilage support.

⚡

Ensure proper closure.

🔍

Check for complications.

📊

Document procedure details.

🎨

Provide clear post-op instructions.

⚠️

Monitor for complications.