Complications and management of septoplasty

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2010 Aug;43(4):897-904. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2010.04.013.

Abstract

Septoplasty is a common procedure in otolaryngology used to address nasal obstruction caused by a deviated nasal septum. It is often accompanied by inferior turbinate reduction. Complications that may arise from this procedure include excessive bleeding; cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea; extraocular muscle damage; wound infection; septal abscess; toxic shock syndrome; septal perforation; saddle nose deformity; nasal tip depression; and sensory changes, such as anosmia or dental anesthesia. Local and general anesthetics have been used to successfully perform septoplasty and the operation may be done either endoscopically or open. Overall, good intraoperative visualization is a key factor in preventing complications and achieving a functional nasal airway.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / etiology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / prevention & control
  • Endoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Epistaxis / etiology
  • Epistaxis / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Nasal Septum / surgery*
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Shock, Septic / etiology
  • Shock, Septic / prevention & control
  • Turbinates / pathology
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vasoconstrictor Agents