Septoplasty & Submucous Resection
The septum is the cartilage and bone located inside the nose which divides the nostrils. Although the septum is predominantly straight, it can be deviated or bent, which will cause symptoms of a blocked nose.
The septum will become deviated either at childhood or from an injury which will require surgery to straighten it. Surgery is the only dependable way to cure this condition and it will not disappear without it.
A septoplasty is the more common procedure which corrects the deviation from the front of the septum which is located behind the bridge of the skin, between the nostrils through to the back. The submucous resection is only needed if the deviation is situated at the back of the nose only.
The procedure:
· The surgeon will make a small cut in the lining of the nose above the septum and will lift the skin-like lining off the cartilage and bone.
· The parts of the bone and cartilage that are bent will be removed and will be put back into a straight position once again.
This procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, although a local anaesthetic can be used. The procedure will take around three-quarters of an hour and the patient should be able to leave the very same day.
Your surgeon will suggest that you stay away from large groups of people for about two weeks to prevent risk of catching an infection.
