Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated nasal septum — the wall of bone and cartilage that separates the two nasal cavities. A deviated septum occurs when this wall is displaced or crooked, leading to one nasal passage being smaller than the other. This condition may be present from birth, develop due to injury, or worsen with age.

Causes

Causes of a deviated septum include congenital factors (present at birth), trauma to the nose from sports injuries, accidents, or falls, and age-related changes in nasal structure. In some cases, it develops during growth without an obvious cause.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of deviation. Common signs include nasal blockage on one or both sides, difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent sinus infections, nasal congestion, headaches, facial pain or pressure, nosebleeds, postnasal drip, and noisy breathing during sleep. In severe cases, it can contribute to snoring or sleep disturbances.

Treatment

Treatment begins with medical management such as decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal steroid sprays to reduce swelling and improve airflow. However, these offer only temporary relief if the septal deviation is significant. Septoplasty is the definitive treatment, performed under local or general anesthesia. During the surgery, the surgeon repositions, trims, or removes parts of the septum to straighten it, restoring normal airflow. The procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes, and patients can return home the same day. Recovery involves avoiding strenuous activities for a few weeks and using saline sprays to keep nasal passages moist. Septoplasty generally results in improved breathing, fewer sinus infections, and enhanced overall nasal function.