Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum, which is the wall separating the two sides of the nose. This wall is made of the cartilage and bone and when its bent it can cause nasal obstruction or related symptoms.
The procedure is performed through internal incisions inside the nose (no external cuts) under general anaesthesia. The surgeon straightens and reconstructs the septum in order to improve the nasal airflow.
Why is Septoplasty Performed?
1. Chronic Nasal obstruction / difficulty breathing due to septal deviation.
2. To improve the compliance and efficiency of CPAP usage in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
3. Recurrent sinus disease related to poor sinus drainage.
4. Component of other nasal surgery (e.g. rhinoplasty, sinus surgery) when structural correction is required
What Happens During the Operation?
1. The procedure is done under general anaesthesia.
2. Incisions are only made inside the nose to expose the septum.
3. Deviated portions of cartilage/bone are removed or repositioned.
4. With minimally invasive techniques, nasal packing and nasal splints are avoided.
Typical duration: 30–60 minutes, depending on complexity.
Expected Recovery
Patients can go home the same day or the morning after.
Nasal blockage is expected for the first 5-10 days.
Mild bleeding / liquid discharge from nose is common in the immediate post-operative period.
By avoiding nasal packing and/or nasal splints, the whole experience following the operation is much more comfortable for the patient.