Septoplasty / PRITS

Why Do I Need Surgery?

A septoplasty is the medical term used for fixing a deviated septum. The septum is the cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two chambers. Sinus problems such as recurrent infections, feeling of constant congestion, and/or inability to breathe through the blocked nostril are signs of a deviated septum. An CT scan may be obtained and may also reveal enlarged turbinates, which can block the nasal airway. The turbinates are the cigar shaped structures located just beyond the nostrils on both sides of the nose. PRITS stands for Partial Resection of Inferior Turbinates.

What Happens During Surgery?

Upon arrival to the outpatient surgery center, you will begin preparation for your surgery. Once anesthesia puts you to sleep, the surgeon will make an incision inside the nose with removal and reshape the septal bone and cartilage. The turbinates are partially removed with a shaver device. Dr. Marsh usually does not place packing or splints in the nose. A gauze  “moustache”  will be taped on the outside of the nose to collect blood. You will wake up in the recovery room to be monitored until you are stable enough to go home.

What to Expect After Surgery:

Special care needs to be taken to not bump your nose. Some swelling under the eyelids is to be expected. The surgeon placed some packing in the nostrils and will be dissolved or removed in one week at your post-op visit.

Post-Op Instructions:

• Take antibiotics if prescribed by your physician.

• Some nausea and vomiting are common after surgery due to the swallowing of blood during surgery and should subside without difficulty.

• To avoid rupturing the incisions and increase the risk of a bleed, DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE, until your doctor says its okay.

• Avoid bending, stooping or lifting heavy objects.

• Irrigating the nose with a salt water solution such as NeilMed Sinus Rinse is helpful to remove crusting in the nose.  Beware that for the first several days the nasal rinse will cause bright red bleeding momentarily.

• If there is evidence of persistent bright red bleeding, extreme pain, swelling or fever, call our office as soon as possible. Some blood is expected on the drip pad especially on the several days.

• A follow up visit with your surgeon should be arranged two weeks after surgery.

• Usually patients return to work three days to a week after surgery.