Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. It involves excising and reshaping cartilage and bone in the nasal septum to improve nasal breathing and airflow. Common indications for septoplasty include nasal obstruction, deviated septum, headaches from septal spurs, recurrent nosebleeds, and sinusitis associated with a deviated septum. The goals of septoplasty are to improve breathing through the nose and prevent sinus infections. Post-operative care involves monitoring for bleeding, maintaining nasal packs or splints, administering pain medications, and instructing the patient on follow-up care including avoiding strenuous activity and smoke during healing.

1. Septoplasty
Presented by
Surekha Kiran

2. Definition
• Excision and resection of the septum to correct any
deviation as a result of injury or a congenital nasal
deformity; to improve the functioning capabilities of the
nose—to improve breathing

3. Relevant A & P: External nose—lateral
and anterior views

4. Pathophysiology

5. Indications
• Nasal airway obstruction - Can lead to
mouth breathing, chronic nasal
infection, or obstructive sleep apnea.
• Nasal septal deformity
• Headaches caused by septal spurs
• Chronic and uncontrolled nosebleeds
• Chronic sinusitis associated with a
deviated septum
• Tumor excision

6. Goals of Septoplasty
• To improve breathing through the nose
and also to prevent sinus infections.
• The procedure usually involves an
excision of a portion of the cartilage and
bone.
• An incision is made in the lining of the
septum to reach the cartilage.
• The septum may then be stabilized with
small plastic tubes, splints or nasal packs
to prevent bleeding.

7. Diagnostics
• Exams
– Rhinoscopy: Direct
vision
• Preoperative Testing

8. Preoperative Care
• Consent for surgery checked and confirmed.
• Routine evening care done.
• Anesthesia evaluation with pre-anesthesia
checklist completed.
• Preoperative Blood Works and investigations
• Pre-op V/S checked and recorded.
• Nil by mouth
• Patient reassured
• Preoperative Medication

9. Post operative care
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Patient was propped in reclined position.
V/S checked as per protocol.
Patient was instructed not to blow in the nose.
Dressing was assessed for further bleeding.
Sips of water served and when tolerated, normal diet served.
Pain assessed and analgesic given as prescribed.
Kept rested with siderails up in comfortable position.
Nasal pack and ice Pack
Prophylactic antibiotics and Pain Medications
Dressing was changed and noted for further bleeding.
Discharged with home meds instructions given.

10. Postoperative Complication
• Potential complications
– Hemorrhage
– Infection
– Other: Damage to….perforate septum, cause
weakened septum which could lead to future
deformity

11. Nursing Diagnosis
• Fear and anxiety r/t upcoming invasive
procedure
• Alteration in comfort; pain r/t post
septoplasty
• Potential for bleeding r/t post-op procedure

12. Discharge Instruction
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To expect blood stained/ pinkish discharge for a few days
That will be breathing through mouth until swelling is
gone.
Not to hit or move any part of the nose.
Not to hold back a sneeze. Sneeze with the mouth open.
To expect a crusting in the nose for not more than 6 weeks
while the incision is healing.
To avoid all moderate and heavy physical activity,
including sport for ten days after the operation and avoid
bending.
Avoid smoky, dusty, hot and dry atmospheres
Follow Up with appointment