A deviated septum is a common condition that affects two-thirds of the Hungarian population. The nasal septum is a plate of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two equal parts. Ideally, it is centrally located, ensuring even airflow in both nasal cavities, but it often develops minor or major deviations. This can be congenital or the result of injury. If the deviation is significant, one side of the nose becomes narrower, which can cause difficulty breathing, nasal congestion and recurrent inflammation. A deviated septum can be corrected surgically, improving nasal breathing and everyday comfort.
Deviated septum surgery
When is deviated septum surgery necessary?
Surgery is necessary when the septum deviation causes or contributes to persistent nasal breathing difficulties. The primary goal of the procedure is to ensure easier breathing and a better sense of well-being. In more severe cases, nasal breathing problems can also cause other complaints, such as recurrent sinusitis, throat and pharynx problems, or even ear complaints. Nasal septum surgery can also help reduce snoring, but it is important to know that snoring can have multiple causes, so surgery is not always a complete solution.
What preliminary tests are required?
Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a comprehensive medical examination, which includes laboratory tests, an ECG and a thorough endoscopic examination of the nasal cavities. It is important that the patient adhere to certain regulations, such as avoiding taking medications that affect blood clotting and consulting with their doctor about stopping any medications they may be taking.
How is nasal septum surgery performed?
The surgery usually takes half an hour to an hour and is usually performed under anesthesia. During the procedure, the bony-cartilaginous plate of the nasal septum is partially or completely separated from the surrounding soft tissue covering, which includes the mucous membrane, periosteum, and cartilage. Next, the bone and cartilage fragments that are misaligned are carefully corrected, removed if necessary, and then placed in the midline. Finally, the soft tissues are put back in place, and the resulting structure is fixed. During the surgery, an incision is made only inside the nose, which is closed with sutures, if necessary, hence no external scars remain. After the surgery, a layered nasal swab is placed in both nasal cavities, which is usually removed after two days. The purpose of the swab is to stabilize the nasal septum, properly align the layers, and reduce bleeding. Although wearing a nasal swab may be uncomfortable, it is not painful and is more like severe nasal congestion.
What should the patient do after the procedure?
After the surgery, our patients spend one night in our hospital. The swabs should not be removed or adjusted by the patient. Removing the swabs takes a few seconds, and although it may be uncomfortable, significant relief can be felt afterwards due to the unrestricted breathing. In rare cases a mild nosebleed may occur and stop spontaneously within a few minutes.
The healing of the nasal mucosa and tissues can take several weeks. It is important that patients follow the doctor's instructions during this period. A gentle lifestyle is recommended for two weeks after the surgery, and adequate rest is important. Intense physical exertion and sports should be avoided for several weeks. The specialist usually recommends a check-up after one or two weeks to monitor the healing process.
The improvement in nasal breathing after the surgery usually becomes noticeable within 4–6 weeks, but many patients may experience positive changes earlier.
What are the risks of deviated septum surgery?
Side effects and complications are very rare. Postoperative bleeding due to physical exertion may occur in the first 2–3 weeks, in which case another nasal swab is necessary. A hematoma may occur between the layers of the nasal septum, in which case it is necessary to remove it. Rarely, the nasal septum and the lateral wall of the nose may stick together, which may obstruct breathing - this can be eliminated with a minor intervention. It is also possible that the nasal septum deviates again months or years after the intervention, which may require another operation.
Deviated septum surgery fee
You can find our current fee under the prices menu.
WHY CHOOSE DR. ROSE PRIVATE HOSPITAL?
- Highly skilled specialists, modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- Empathetic, people-centered approach. Our specialists always keep the comfort and safety of our patients in mind.
- Premium inpatient department. Available to our patients are 3 operating rooms and 24 patient rooms with 33 beds to meet all needs. The highest professional standards meet with an exclusive environment where you can heal in safety and with complete peace of mind.
- Fast and predictable appointments. We provide an appointment for the necessary intervention within 1-2 weeks of the first specialist consultation.
For all your ear, nose and throat complaints, contact the doctors at Dr. Rose Private Hospital with confidence.