Nasal Airway Surgery & Surgical
Instructions
The following
information is provided to help patients and their families prepare for surgery,
and to understand more clearly the associated benefits, risks, and
complications. Patients are encouraged to ask their doctor
any questions that felt necessary to help better understand
this procedure.
Nasal obstruction is usually caused by a deviated or crocked septum or enlarged
tissues (turbinates) within the nose. A septoplasty is an operation to correct a deformity
of the partition (the septum) between
the two sides of the nose. A turbinectomy is the surgical
removal of an abnormally enlarged turbinate from inside the nose to improve
breathing. The goals of nasal airway surgery include the following: To improve
airflow through the nose, to control nosebleeds, to enhance visualization of the
inside of the nose, to relieve nasal headaches associated with swelling of the
inside of the nose, and to promote drainage of the sinus cavities. Nasal airway
surgery is done through the nostrils without the need for
external incisions.
The following instructions are designed to help persons
recover from nasal airway surgery as easily as possible.
Taking care of oneself can prevent complications. The
doctor will be happy to answer any related questions.
What is nasal airway surgery?
Nasal airway surgery is a group of procedures
(septoplasty, turbinectomy) performed to improve nasal
breathing. Nasal obstruction is usually caused by a
deviated septum or enlarged turbinate within the nose. All
surgical procedures have risks and potential
complications. Understanding what is involved before,
during, and after nasal airway surgery can help patients
recover from the surgery as easily as possible.
What are risks and complications of nasal airway
surgery?
The surgery
will be performed safely and with care in order to obtain the best possible
results. Patients have the right to be informed that the surgery may involve
risks of unsuccessful results, complications, or injury from both known and
unforeseen causes. Because individuals differ in their response to surgery,
their anesthetic reactions, and their healing outcomes,
ultimately there can be no guarantee made as to
the results or potential complications. Furthermore,
surgical outcomes may be dependent on preexisting or
concurrent medical conditions.
The following complications have been reported in the
medical literature. This list is not meant to be inclusive
of every possible complication. They are listed here for
information only, not to frighten patients, but to make
them aware and more knowledgeable concerning this surgical
procedure. Although many of these complications are rare,
all have occurred at one time or another in the hands of
experienced surgeons practicing the standard of community
care. Anyone who is contemplating surgery must weigh the
potential risks and complications against the potential
benefits of the surgery, or any alternative to surgery.
1. Nasal obstruction due to failure to straighten the
septum or later re-deviation of the septum, or the re-
growth or swelling of the turbinates.
2. Failure to
resolve coexisting sinus infections or recurrence of coexisting sinus problems and/or polyps, or
need for further or more aggressive surgery.
3. Bleeding.
In rare situations, a need for blood products or a blood transfusion. (Patients are encouraged to consult
with the doctor if they are interested in autologous or designated donor
directed blood prepared in advance in case
an emergency transfusion was necessary.)
4. Chronic
nasal drainage or excessive dryness or crusting
of the nose or sinuses.
5. Need for allergy evaluation, treatments, or
environmental controls. Surgery is not a cure for nor a
substitute for good allergy control or treatment.
6. Failure to
improve or resolve concurrent respiratory
illness such as, but not limited to asthma, bronchitis, or cough.
7. Failure to
resolve associated "sinus or nasal" headaches. The exact cause of headaches
can be difficult to determine or have many causes. Patients may require
consultation with another specialist such as a neurologist.
8. Damage to
the eye and its associated structures (rare).
9. Permanent
numbness of the upper teeth, palate, or face.
10. Prolonged
pain, impaired healing, and the need for
hospitalization.
11. Septal perforation, which is a permanent hole inside
the nose between the two sides.
12. Failure to
restore or worsening of the sense of smell or taste, or to relieve nosebleeds.
Next: What happens before surgery? »
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