Endoscopic septoplasty is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery to correct a deviated septum. This camera-guided surgical procedure offers excellent visualization of cartilage and bone, and allows for a targeted approach at correcting deformities.
Conventional septoplasty is a procedure to straighten a deviated septum through trimming and repositioning of cartilage and bone. It can reduce or eliminate medical problems caused by a crooked septum, including breathing difficulties, snoring and sleep apnea.
It is used to correct nasal valve obstructions, eliminate septal spurs and other deformities and put an end to persistent stuffiness and congestion. But as safe and effective as the technique is, there are benefits to performing an endoscopic septoplasty instead.
Endoscopic septoplasty is less invasive than the conventional procedure. It offers better visualization under direct light, improved access for additional nasal surgeries, reduced blood loss, less postoperative swelling and pain, easier posterior septal spur correction (difficult to reach and often missed during conventional surgery), a lower risk of septal perforation and hematoma and eliminates the need for nasal packing (in most cases).
These benefits translate to a shorter hospital stay, less troublesome recovery period, and a quicker return to normal activities.
It is especially helpful in revision surgeries where nasal obstructions persist; endoscopic septoplasty allows the surgeon to take a guided approach at making the necessary corrections, which often prove technically challenging otherwise. It’s generally less expensive than a conventional septoplasty. Your surgeon will best be able to determine whether endoscopic septoplasty will benefit you.
Call Hampton Roads ENT for more information or to schedule an appointment.