Department of Otolaryngology –
Head & Neck Surgery
Tampa, Florida
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SEPTOPLASTY AND INFERIOR TURBINATE REDUCTION
What is the septum?
The septum is the midline structure in the nose that divides it into 2 halves. It is made of cartilage and bone, and lined by a mucus membrane similar to the rest of the nose. The turbinates are 3 pairs of small, thin bones on the sides of the nose on the inside. They too are covered with a mucus lining membrane. Their lining may intermittently swell at periodic intervals.
When is surgery done?
Surgery to correct the septum is done to improve airflow through the nose. Septal deviation, or a crooked septum, is a relatively common finding that may cause problems with breathing through the nose. The cause may have been trauma or most likely just the way we were born.
What is done at surgery?
The septum is straightened. Some cartilage and or bone may need to be removed. Some of this is replaced back into the septum. The lower turbinate bones are moved outward to improve the breathing space in the nose. Sometimes, the lining of the turbinates is heated with a special wand to make it shrink.
What to expect after surgery?
Pain is usually mild to moderate.
Bleeding from the nose may be expected for 2 to 3 days afterward. You may use rolled up gauze taped under the nose to collect the dripping. A decongestant spray may be prescribed. Infection is unusual. Some packing may be present, and if so, an antibiotic will be prescribed.
Avoid blowing the nose and heavy lifting or straining for 2 weeks after the surgery. Sneeze with the mouth open.
Nasal congestion is common from the old clots left over from surgery, and crusting in the nose as it heals. A salt-water spray may be prescribed several days after to rinse and clean out the nose. Thick dark material from the nose or throat is probably liquefied clot from the surgery.
Rarely, a hole may be left in the septum after healing occurs. This is usually asymptomatic but may manifest as crusting and drainage depending on the size and location. Also, the septum may heal in such a manner that persistent septal deviation and nasal obstruction result.
Mailing Address (all locations): 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 73 Tampa, Fl 33612