Center for Advanced Subspecialty Care and Otolaryngolgy providing otolaryngology services for Plymouth County and surrounding southeastern Massachusetts.

Septoplasty is an operation used to correct the deformity of the partition between the two sides of the nose. The usual purpose is to improve breathing. It may also be required to improve visualization of the nasal interior for treatment of polyps, inflammation, tumors, or bleeding. When the nasal septum is deformed, there is no medicine that will cause it to be straight, so surgery is usually the only solution to this problem.

Possible complications include septal perforation, failure to completely improve breathing due to swollen membranes (as is seen in allergic patients), postoperative bleeding (this is usually easy to control), and nasal crusting.

Following your septal surgery, usually done in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia, some soft plastic splints, or other nasal stabilizing devices will be present in your nose. These are usually sewn in place. Do not try to remove them unless you are instructed to directly by the physician. You will also have a small gauze pad beneath your nose, which should be taped to your face and not against your nose. This will catch any drainage of blood tinged nasal secretions that may occur in the first few days after surgery. You should avoid blowing your nose for at least two weeks. You may sniff and clear the secretions down into the back of the nasal passages and expectorate these. If you have to sneeze or cough, try to open your mouth so that the pressure is not applied to the nasal cavity. You may brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush and use a mouthwash, but try to avoid manipulation of the upper lip. We ask that you apply Bacitracin Ointment (no prescription is needed for this) to each nostril with a small Q-tip every six to eight hours to prevent crusting. Do not scratch the tip of your nose with a Q-tip or fingernails. The nasal splints which prevent scarring across the nose, and stabilizes the septum, will be removed in the office six to ten days postoperatively, and further examination of the nasal cavity will usually be scheduled for a week or so after this.

We are always available for you during your postoperative period, and attention to the details outlined in this postoperative instruction sheet are an important part of obtaining a satisfactory outcome following surgery.

In addition, I should mention that because of the use of general anesthesia, it is important that you use the incentive spirometer. This is a device you will be given upon your discharge from the hospital, to keep your lungs clear during the postoperative period. Try to remain up, walking around the house most of the day, or in a chair. Do not lie in bed in a sedentary fashion.

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