Septoplasty

Septoplasty is the surgical correction of defects and deformities of the nasal septum (the partition between the nostrils). The septum is a structure made of bone and cartilage in the central portion of the nose that separates one nasal cavity from another. When the septum is deviated, it can block one side of the nose and significantly disturb airflow.

Septoplasty attempts to straighten the septum as much as possible in the midline position and open the airway by removing the deviated portion and restructuring of the remaining bone and cartilage.

Examples of septoplasty include the following:

• A deviated nasal septum is a condition in which the partition (septum) between the nostrils is not in a straight vertical alignment. A deviated nasal septum can cause obstructed airflow. A deviated nasal septum can be caused by a birth defect or injury.
• Correction of cleft defects that affect the nose and nasal cavity

Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Risks associated may be infection, septal hematoma, perforation and bleeding.