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Nasal Septal Perforation Repair

Welcome to our patient information page about Nasal Septal Perforation Repair surgery. You can learn more about what to expect when you are scheduled for this surgery. Find pre- and post-operative instructions here.

Have any questions about your upcoming Nasal Septal Perforation Repair procedure with Dr. Karamy?

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Patient Information for Nasal Septal Perforation Repair

What is Nasal Septal Perforation Repair?

Nasal septal perforation repair is a surgical procedure performed to close or reconstruct a hole in the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall of tissue that separates the two sides of the nasal cavity. When a hole or perforation develops in this wall, it can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms and affect nasal function, including breathing difficulties, crusting, and nasal discharge.

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Indications for Nasal Septal Perforation Repair:

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Nasal septal perforation repair may be recommended for individuals experiencing the following conditions:

  1. Symptomatic Perforations: Nasal septal perforations that cause bothersome symptoms, such as nasal obstruction, recurrent nosebleeds, crusting, or whistling sounds during breathing.

  2. Failure of Conservative Management: When previous non-surgical treatments, such as topical nasal sprays or nasal packing, have not provided adequate relief.

  3. Cosmetic Concerns: For individuals who are troubled by the appearance of the nasal septal perforation.

What Happens During Nasal Septal Perforation Repair Surgery?

Nasal septal perforation repair is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep during the procedure. The surgical technique used may vary depending on the size and location of the perforation.

 

Common methods include:

  1. Primary Closure: In cases of small perforations, the surgeon may directly suture the edges of the perforation together.

  2. Local Flap Repair: For larger perforations, nearby tissue or mucosal flaps may be used to close the hole.

  3. Septal Grafts: In some cases, a small piece of cartilage or tissue may be taken from another area of the nose (or, rarely, from the ear) and used to cover the perforation.

 

The surgery usually takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the repair.

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Pre-Operative Instructions for Nasal Septal Perforation Repair Surgery

Before nasal septal perforation repair, you will receive specific instructions from your healthcare provider, including:

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  • Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter supplements. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before the surgery.

  • Fasting: You will likely be instructed not to eat or drink anything for a specified period before the surgery, usually starting at midnight the night before the procedure.

  • Downtime: You will need to plan at least 1-2 weeks off work. Avoidance of physical activity for 2 weeks as well.

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Post-Operative Care & Instructions

After nasal septal perforation repair, you will need to follow specific post-operative care instructions:

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  • Recovery Period: Plan for 1 to 2 weeks off work to help with healing.

  • Nasal Care: You will often have plastic sheets inside your nose that stay there for upwards of 6 weeks. Its important to keep the inside clean with saline rinses twice per day. Apply a pea size amount of polysporin into each nostril twice per day as well.

  • Avoiding Nasal Trauma: Avoid blowing your nose forcefully or sneezing through your nose (open your mouth) for 6 weeks.

  • Pain Management: Most people can manage with combined acetaminophen and ibuprofen. However we will give you a prescription for some opioids in case of breakthrough pain.

  • Incisions: There will often be an incision elsewhere for the graft harvest and suggest keeping this area clean. Apply polysporin ointment twice per day to the incsion for 2 weeks.

  • Follow-Up: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and healing progress.

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Potential Risks of Septal Perforation Repair

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While nasal septal perforation repair is generally safe, it is essential to be aware of potential risks, which may include:

  1. Bleeding: Some mild bleeding is normal after the surgery, but significant bleeding is rare.

  2. Infection: Infections at the surgical site are uncommon but may occur.

  3. Recurrence: In some cases, the perforation may recur, requiring additional treatment.

  4. Nasal Obstruction: There may be temporary nasal congestion following the procedure, which usually resolves as the nose heals.

  5. Septal Hematoma: Rarely, a collection of blood (hematoma) may form within the nasal septum and require drainage.

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If you are experiencing concerning symptoms or have any questions after a procedure with Dr. Karamy, please contact us​. For emergencies, please go to urgent care.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this webpage is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment recommendations.

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