The Surgery Center of Fort Collins has several ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors that perform septoplasties on patients. Many patients choose to have their surgery done at our facility rather than a hospital because it is much more affordable, and the level of care is much higher.
What is a septoplasty?
A septoplasty corrects a deviated septum, the piece of bone and cartilage that creates two separate nostrils in the nose. When the septum is ‘deviated’, one nostril will be larger than the other. This can cause difficulty breathing or nosebleeds. Sometimes patients are born with a deviated septum, other times it is caused by a nose injury. A septoplasty straightens the septum, correcting these issues.
Who needs a septoplasty?
A septoplasty may be needed to remove blockage in the nasal cavities – sometimes this blockage is caused by a deviated septum, other times nasal polyps need to be removed. Some patients with a deviated septum suffer from frequent sinus infections (sinusitis), but others aren’t affected. Not every patient with a deviated septum will need a septoplasty. Your doctor will recommend a septoplasty if you have nasal blockage and all other treatment options have been ruled out.
What happens during a septoplasty?
Your septoplasty at the Surgery Center of Fort Collins will be performed by an ENT surgeon. In the weeks leading up to your septoplasty, you may be asked to avoid blood thinning medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin. These can increase the risk of bleeding. Our pre-op nurse will go over all pre-operation information that you need to know prior to your surgery.
During the procedure, you will most likely go under general anesthesia. The surgeon will typically make an incision on the mucus membrane that covers your bone and cartilage. Then, the surgeon will straighten the septum. Sometimes the bone needs to be reshaped or portions need to be removed. Once it is straightened, the mucus lining will be replaced. Stitches may be used to keep the septum in place. The procedure usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, but remember, every surgery is different and depends on the patient and the patient’s specific needs.
What is the recovery of a septoplasty like?
A septoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be able to go home the day of your surgery. Sometimes your doctor will place ‘packing’ within your nose which prevents bleeding and other fluids from leaking out. This will be removed by your doctor a few days later. For the time following your septoplasty, avoid heavy lifting and intense exercises, keep your head elevated, and refrain from blowing your nose. Your doctor will provide more specific recovery instructions as well.
If you’re considering having a septoplasty performed at the Surgery Center, please give us a call at 970-494-4800 with any additional questions or concerns you have.