The only method that will remove the deviation and restore the full function of the nose
Breathing problems, frequent sinusitis or nasal speech can be the result of uneven nostril patency caused by a deviant septum.
The nasal septum is a cartilaginous – bony septum that divides the nose into the left and right nostrils. Although almost 90% of people have a slightly deviated septum, most of them can breathe normally and such irregularities are not a problem for them.
However, for some people, a deviation of the nasal septum can make everyday life much more difficult. Breathing problems, frequent sinusitis or nasal speech can be the result of uneven nostril patency caused by a deviant septum, which is why today nasal septum deviation surgery has become a standard technique for solving breathing problems. The procedure is quick and effective, and the results can solve your breathing issues forever.
Our ENT team is highly subspecialized in nose surgery, so in some cases, we combine nasal septum deviation surgery with nasal conch reduction surgery, sinus surgery, or rhinoplasty, all in one procedure.
The displacement of the nasal septum to the side can occur at birth , when the bone and cartilage tissue is not yet fully formed, or during a later stage of life, for example, due to a fall on the nose or a blow to the nose and similar trauma.
For most people, a deviated septum does not cause breathing problems. A slight curvature of the cartilage cannot block the patency of the nostril as effectively. However, in some more extreme cases, a deviated septum can make daily activities much more difficult.
There are a number of symptoms that indicate a deviated septum. Some of them are of lower intensity and have been experienced by each of us at some point.
However, some symptoms should not be ignored because they are clear indicators of deviation and breathing problems:
If you have noticed some of the above symptoms, it is necessary to eliminate other factors that could affect these phenomena. So, for example, the appearance of some symptoms can be easily confused with allergies that you have at a certain time of the year.
Nasalwheezing can also be due to dry air during the heating season, and not the result of a deviated septum.
A typical mistake that many people repeat is using drops to unclog the nose. Not only will they not make the nostril passable, but they can further dry out the mucous membrane inside the nose and cause the capillaries to burst and the lower nasal concha to grow.
A deviated septum is an anatomical problem, which means that no drops or inhalants will be able to solve this problem. If the case of deviation is severe, septum surgery is the best solution.
Before you decide to have surgery, we will give you an adequate diagnosis and introduce you to the procedure. At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we do this by conducting numerous diagnostic examinations, but also by giving guidelines that you must follow so that the procedure goes without complications and so that the recovery is as fast as possible.
From diagnostic examinations, we perform:
The basic examination is like that of a general practitioner. A rhinoscope is used, a small device that expands the nostril and monitors its patency.
A tubular rigid apparatus containing a light source and a camera that can register essential details when observing the nostril.
One of the subtypes of endoscopes, but which can be bent for deeper penetration and observation of the airways. It is used to observe an enlarged third tonsil.
The apparatus that measures the airflow in milliliters per second (ml/s) records the difference in nostril patency. Each nostril is measured separately, then the difference is calculated.
Since the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, before the procedure you will have to attach the results of the ECG, blood counts and, on the recommendation of a specialist, the results of spirometry.
You will be familiar with the principle of anesthesia and you will need to fill out a form with which you give consent to its use.
Do not eat for 12 hours before surgery due to general anesthesia that can make a person vomit.
A few days before the procedure, avoid consuming blood-thinning tablets such as Aspirin or Andol. Taking such pills can complicate the procedure due to increased bleeding and prolong recovery.
Each operation has its own risks, and people who have diabetes, other pathological conditions, and who consume alcohol and cigarettes are generally more prone to them.
But the operation of deviated septum will have to be postponed or completely written off if:
Due to these circumstances, coming to consultations is of crucial importance to us. With clear communication, we can solve all doubts and mentally prepare you for the procedure.
The process of surgery begins with the administration of general anesthesia. You will count from 10 to 1 at a slower pace until you fall asleep.
The surgeon, depending on the assessment, may also apply local anesthesia to further relax the tissue and reduce bleeding. The procedure begins with an incision inside the nose without visible incisions on the outside of the nose. After the incision, the surgeon lifts the nasal mucosa and shapes the cartilage that caused the deviation. After the septum is brought to the central position, sutures are used to close the incision.
The operation lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, and after waking up, you leave the clinic the same day with inserted tampons that we remove the next day. We use special small tampons with tubes that allow breathing through the nose despite tampons.
On the first day after surgery, we will remove tampons from your nose.
The swelling in the nose will be at its peak 48 hours after the procedure. A slight headache is a normal side effect. You are allowed to use analgesics, but only those that do not thin the blood such as Ketonal or Ibuprofen.
Due to the thickened mucous membrane, it is necessary to use nasal drops and emulsion to relieve edema and thus speed up the recovery process. You should not blow on the nose for 2 weeks because the area is sensitive from surgery and any strain can cause the wound to open and bleed.
You can return to daily activities three days after the examination, but you should avoid heavier physical activity for 4 weeks. Patients return to work within 7 days.
If the operation is performed correctly, complications are rare. Some side effects such as loss of sensation around the teeth or on the hard palate are normal and go away a few days after surgery.
It is possible to irritate the throat due to frequent breathing through the mouth, but it disappears once you start breathing normally through the nose.
Some side effects do not go away over time and can cause complications if not treated in a timely manner:
To avoid possible complications, it is necessary to follow precautions after recovery, starting from nasal hygiene to avoiding any activity that would irritate the nasal mucosa.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we have gathered a team of the mostexperienced ENT surgeons with international experience , who will make your life and daily activities much easier with the operation of a deviated septum.
Problems such as snoring, nasal congestion or frequent inflammation of the airways will become a thing of the past, and only after the operation will you feel completely patency of the nostrils.
Make an appointment for the examination and diagnosis today, after which we will form a plan and program for the operation. Call us at +3851 2444 646 or fill out our online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
