Do you often feel like you can’t breathe properly through your nose? Or maybe you deal with stuffy nose issues and sinus infections more often than you’d like? These problems can sometimes be caused by the wall inside your nose (septum) being uneven (deviated), which makes it harder for air to flow. This condition can be fixed with a daycare surgery called septoplasty.
Let’s summarize what you can expect before, during, and after this procedure at our multi-specialty surgical hospital. Hence, you feel comfortable and know what the process is all about before undergoing it.
Before the Procedure
Preparation is mandatory to ensure the surgery goes smoothly. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consult your ENT specialist: Your doctor will assess your symptoms and confirm whether the septum deviation is causing your breathing problems.
- Pre-surgical instructions: You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, like blood thinners, a few days before the procedure.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Smoking can slow down healing, so it’s best to quit at least two weeks before the surgery. Also, arrange for someone to take you home post-surgery, as you won’t be able to drive.
During the Procedure
Septoplasty is typically performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case. Here’s what happens during the surgery:
- Getting you ready: You’ll be given anesthesia, so you’ll either be asleep or your nose will be numb, depending on what your doctor recommends.
- Using endoscopy for precision: To ensure accuracy, the surgeon may use a tiny camera called an endoscope. This provides a clear view of the nasal passages and helps guide the procedure.
- Accessing the nasal wall: The surgeon will make a small cut inside your nose to access the part that needs to be fixed. There are no visible scars since everything is done from the inside.
- Straightening or removing the problem area: The surgeon will adjust or remove the parts of the nasal wall that are blocking proper airflow. This helps open up your nasal passages for easier breathing.
- Stitching things up: The surgeon will close the cut with stitches once the adjustments are complete. Sometimes, soft splints are placed inside the nose to support healing.
The procedure usually lasts 30 to 90 minutes, and most patients can go home on the same day, which is why ENT daycare treatment in Kolkata at Vitadell Healthcare is an excellent choice for this type of surgery.
After the Procedure
Recovering from septoplasty is easy, but knowing what to expect can help clear your concerns.
Immediate recovery
You might feel mild discomfort, swelling, or congestion, but these are temporary and improve within a few days. Pain is usually manageable with medications prescribed by your doctor.
Post-surgery care
- Avoid blowing your nose for at least a week.
- Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning the surgical site to prevent infections.
- Most people return to work or school within a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least two weeks to prevent bleeding.
Once you’ve fully healed, you should notice significant improvements in your breathing and a reduction in sinus-related issues. While the procedure doesn’t change the appearance of your nose, it focuses solely on improving functionality.
Conclusion
Septoplasty is a highly effective procedure for addressing breathing problems caused by a deviated septum. By understanding what to expect before, during, and after the surgery, you can confidently approach the process.
If you’re considering the procedure, reach out to experts at Vitadell Healthcare, a multi-specialty surgical daycare hospital offering top-notch ENT daycare treatment in Kolkata for a smooth and professional experience.
