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Septoplasty Surgery in Bangalore

What can I expect from septoplasty?

Before you undergo the procedure, your surgeon will take you through the steps of the surgery. He or she will also answer any questions that you might have regarding the procedure. Your surgeon may also request that you complete various routine tests, including an electrical heart tracing and blood test.

The doctor will further ask you questions regarding your general health. In case you are allergic to any medication or are on any medication at the moment, notify your doctor of this. The anesthetist will be on standby to explain to you the various anesthesia procedure and what you can expect.

Preparing for septoplasty

Prior to the scheduling septoplasty, your surgeon will arrange for a meeting to explore the benefits, risks, and possible complications that might accompany this procedure. Some of the activities that may also take place during such a meeting include:

• Taking of your medical history: Your doctor will be interested in your medical history as this might have a bearing on the choice of procedure. If you have any preexisting medical condition and are taking medication for it, you need to inform your doctor. Let your doctor also know whether you are taking any supplements.
• Physical examination: Your doctor will conduct a physical exam that includes inspecting the outside and inside of your nose, to determine the nature and severity of the deviated septum. He or she may also deem it necessary to order relevant tests that will give a proper diagnosis.
• Photographs: A medical photographer will take photographs of your nose from various angles. Such photos are of immense help to your doctor as they act as a point of reference for his or her discussions with you regarding the surgery. Your doctor will also refer back to such photographs post-surgery for purposes of comparison and to assess the success of the procedure.
• Discussing your expectations: When going for surgery, you have your own expectations of the procedure. Your surgeon will ask about such expectations. He or she will discuss with you what septoplasty can achieve, and what is not possible with this procedure. In this way, you are better informed while making a decision to go ahead with the procedure.

Precautions on food and medicine

Your surgeon will advise you to avoid taking medication that has ibuprofen or aspirin prior to and following the procedure. This is because such medication puts you at risk of bleeding. You should only take medication that your surgeon has prescribed or approved. You will also be advised to quit smoking as it might cause complications during and post-surgery. Additionally, your healing may be derailed by smoking.

You are likely to feel drowsy after septoplasty. It is not safe to drive in such a state. For this reason, we will make arrangements to have you picked from home before the procedure in one of our hospital vans. We will also arrange for your transport back home post-surgery. Our medical team will also assist you in doing any paperwork needed before surgery.

Procedure

Septoplasty takes place under general or local anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia is determined by your preference, and that of your surgeon. It is also determined by the complexity of the procedure. In general anesthesia, the anesthetist administers an anesthetic via an IV line. Alternatively, you may be requested to inhale an anesthetic agent. The anesthesia puts you in a state of unconsciousness, albeit temporarily. It affects the entire body. In contrast, local anesthesia only affects the area being operated on, and in this case, the nose. The anesthetist will inject anesthetics into your nasal tissues. He or she may also administer IV medication to have you sedated.  Discuss with your surgeon prior to the procedure, the type of anesthesia that is most suited for you.

During the procedure, your surgeon makes incisions on the nose. He or she uses absorbable sutures to close the incisions. The surgeon may also insert soft silicones splints into both of your nostrils. This helps in supporting your septum. The packing of bandage-like materials in the nose further enables your surgeon to avoid postoperative bleeding.

Once the procedure is completed, the nursing staff moves you to a recovery room for further monitoring. The medical team will closely observe you and ensure there are no complications. Septoplasty constitutes an outpatient procedure. It means that you will get discharged on the same day.

After surgery

Your surgeon will request that you follow certain precautions a few weeks post-surgery. This will help to minimize the risk of swelling and bleeding. Some of these precautions include:

• As you sleep, make sure your head is elevated
• Avoid blowing your nose for a few weeks post-surgery
• Avoid pulling clothing like sweaters and shirts over your head
• Do not engage in any strenuous activities like jogging or aerobics for at least four weeks. Such activities might predispose you to nose bleeding

Outcome

You can expect to have stable nasal tissues three to six months post-surgery.  You will also experience a gradual reshaping or moving of nasal tissues and cartilage over time. Septoplasty is associated with improved symptoms brought about by a deviated septum, including difficulty in breathing. However, the level of improvement after septoplasty differs from one individual to another.

Some people may also experience ongoing shifts in nasal tissues and cartilage even after surgery. In case of ongoing symptoms after the procedure, you may elect for a second surgery that will further refine your septum and nose.