Rehabilitation after septoplasty of the nose

When the nasal septum is displaced, in addition to an unaesthetic appearance, breathing problems may occur. Only surgical intervention can help to cope with this problem. The operation is called septoplasty.

A large number of such operations are currently being performed. Recommendations and conditions are determined by the doctor, based on the individual characteristics of the patient.

Execution Methods

A few decades ago, septoplasty was performed using a conventional operation. However, rehabilitation after it took a long time. Over time, medicine has evolved and new methods for straightening the nasal septum are now available.

Currently, several types of septoplasty are performed:

1. Thread resection. It is carried out to seal the septum and eliminate excess soft tissues.
2. Laser septoplasty. The laser can be used to cut soft tissues instead of a conventional scalpel. Also, a seamless operation is performed with a laser, in which the septum softens and the tissues “evaporate”. Simultaneously with the operation, the laser seals small vessels, disinfects the wound, which significantly reduces recovery.
3. Endoscopy. An endoscope equipped with a camera and light is inserted into the nasal cavity. The operation is performed using a laser, but in this case, the doctor can control the process using the image on the monitor.

The operation may take 30-60 minutes. If there are multiple fragments, it may take a little longer.

The duration of the rehabilitation period

On the first day after the operation, the patient will have to breathe through the nose, which is quite difficult. Within 1-3 days, cotton swabs are removed from the nose. After that, breathing through the nose gradually normalizes, and swelling decreases.

After 10 days, the patient needs to drip nasal drops to eliminate crusts and moisturize the mucous membrane. The most effective are Nasonex drops.

Possible problems

The main problem in the postoperative period is respiratory failure. It occurs in the following cases:

• cotton swabs in the nasal cavity;
• postoperative dressing;
• crusts in the nose;
• severe swelling of the nose.

The bandage applied after the operation, the doctor removes at least a week later. It is tightly fixed to prevent displacement of the cartilage in the nasal cavity.

A week after the operation, the swelling gradually decreases. Three weeks later, it completely disappears.

The following will help speed up the reduction of edema:

• bed rest;
• bandage with ice;
• nasal drops to strengthen blood vessels;
• taking antihistamines;
• physiotherapy;
• vasoconstrictor drops;
• humidification of the air in the room where the patient is located.

In rare cases, slight swelling remains up to six months. Also, after some operations, there is a reaction to climatic conditions, which manifests itself in the appearance of edema.

For a long time, the patient cannot take care of the nasal cavity. Because of this, crusts appear. The otolaryngologist at the reception cleans the nasal cavity and treats the mucous membrane with a special solution.

There may also be pain in the teeth or numbness in this area. This is due to the fact that at the time of the operation, the nerve endings that pass to the teeth are damaged. You should not worry about this, as this is a normal phenomenon and disappears within a month.

Pain can also occur in the throat, as the mucous membrane is damaged.

After the operation, there may be weakness, dizziness and other signs of malaise. This goes away within a week. During this period of time, the patient gains strength.

At the time of rehabilitation, the patient may experience allergic reactions to drugs. Then the treatment regimen is reviewed by the doctor, and the allergens are replaced with similar drugs.

Rehabilitation stages

Rehabilitation after surgery is quite quick and easy. The entire rehabilitation period takes about three months. Basically, it is only recommended to follow the recommendations and then the rehabilitation period will be successful. In rehabilitation after septoplasty of the nose, the postoperative and recovery periods are highlighted.

Postoperative period

After the operation, the patient is placed in a hospital for 2-3 days to exclude the development of complications. In the hospital, the following are inserted into the nasal cavity:

• tubes;
• tampons;
• fixing bandage.

In the first two days the patient is very thirsty. This is due to the fact that breathing is carried out through the oral cavity. After the operation, you must refrain from drinking for several hours. Only wetting the lips with water or rinsing the mouth is permissible.

Recommendations for the postoperative period:

1. Elimination of thirst. It is recommended to drink as much liquid as possible, with the exception of carbonated drinks.
2. Special bed rest is not required, but at first, long walks are undesirable.
3. The patient's diet can remain the same. It is recommended to exclude spicy and overly hot food.

Pain medications may be used for severe pain.

Recovery period

After the postoperative phase, the patient is observed on an outpatient basis. First twice a week, then once a week. In the recovery period you need:

• remove blood clots;
• treat the nasal cavity to prevent infection.

First, the nose is washed with saline solutions. The nasal cavity can also be treated with saline, as it has a disinfectant effect. Washing should be done 3 times a day.

After softening the crusts, you need to remove them. Cannot be removed with fingers. To do this, you need to use cotton swabs.

Restoring the sense of smell

If the patient's sense of smell is disturbed after the operation, then you should consult a doctor, as this can be a complication after the operation. If the doctor does not reveal any changes, then the loss of smell is an individual reaction of the body.

To restore the sense of smell after septoplasty, physiotherapy will help, as well as the following tips:

• sleep for several weeks only on your back;
• do not tilt your head down;
• do not exercise;
• a month without wearing glasses;
• avoid infections;
• do not visit the bath, sauna, swimming pool.

Recommendations

It is necessary to take into account a number of recommendations in order for rehabilitation after septoplasty to be successful.

Nose hygiene

Nasal care includes daily rinsing and cleansing of the mucous membrane. It is necessary to perform until the patient is no longer disturbed by discharge from the nose.

Edema

Vasoconstrictor drops are used to eliminate edema. Do not use them often, as they can be addictive. After removing the sutures, ointments with a wound-healing effect are used. They also help to dissolve postoperative scars.

Infection

When an infection is attached, a five-day course of antibiotics is recommended. The specific drug is prescribed by the doctor, based on the infectious agent. Also, the doctor may prescribe an ointment, which includes several chemical compounds. This ointment has many healing effects.

Nutrition

Special restrictions on food during the rehabilitation period are not required. However, it is better to exclude spicy, salty and hot foods. It is best to eat foods in liquid form or those foods that are easy to chew.

At first, it is recommended to limit the consumption of allergenic foods. In the form of an allergic reaction, there may be a runny nose, sneezing and other manifestations that will significantly slow down the rehabilitation period.

What is prohibited?

There are a number of prohibitions that apply to the rehabilitation period after septoplasty.

1. In the early days, you can not wash or bathe, as the seams and the bandage must be protected from moisture.
2. The first two weeks are strictly forbidden to smoke. It is allowed only after complete restoration of breathing and mucous membranes.
3. In the first month after the operation, you can not ride a bike. Other physical activities can be done earlier.
4. At least 2 weeks you can not drink alcoholic beverages. They impair blood flow in the nasal area, which interferes with healing.
5. Hair washing can be done no earlier than a week later. In this case, the head should not be tilted down.

It is worth following these recommendations to avoid the development of complications.

Thus, septoplasty is a common and uncomplicated operation. If you follow the recommendations and properly care for the nasal cavity, the risk of complications is reduced, and recovery will come much faster.