Septoplasty and Submucous Resection
This page will give you information about a septoplasty and
a submucous resection. If you have any questions, you should ask
your GP or other relevant health professional.
What is a deviated nasal septum?
The septum is the cartilage and bone inside the nose that
divides the nostrils. The septum is usually straight but it can be
deviated (bent), causing symptoms of a blocked nose (see figure 1).
A septoplasty and a submucous resection are operations to correct a
deviated nasal septum.
Figure 1
a) Facial skull showing a straight nasal septum
b) A bent nasal septum
What are the benefits of surgery?
Your septum will be straight which should relieve your symptoms
of a blocked nose.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Surgery is recommended as it is the only dependable way to cure
the condition. The condition will not go away without an
operation.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed through your nostrils and does not
result in any facial scars or black eyes.
A septoplasty and submucous resection are usually performed
under a general anaesthetic but a local anaesthetic can be used.
The operation usually takes about three-quarters of an hour.
Your surgeon will make a cut in the lining of the nose. They
will remove the parts of the cartilage and bone that are bent and
put the rest back in a straight position.
What complications can happen?
General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
Specific complications of this operation
- Developing a haematoma or abscess
- Injury to nerves
- Change to the shape of the nose
- Making a hole in the septum
How soon will I recover?
You will usually be kept in hospital overnight although
occasionally you will be able to go home the same day. If you had
some packing in your nose, it will be removed on the morning after
your operation.
You will need to stay off work and away from groups of people
for two weeks after the operation. This is to avoid catching a
cold, which could result in an infection.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Most people make a full recovery and can return to normal
activities. Occasionally the deviation comes back because the
cartilage can gradually return to its original position.
Summary
Surgery will result in you having a straight septum which should
relieve your symptoms of a blocked nose. However, no serious
complications can happen if a deviated septum is left
untreated.
Acknowledgements
Author: Miss Ruth Capper MD FRCS (ORL-HNS)
Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright © 2007 Nucleus
Medical Art. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health
Care UK.
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You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
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The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment