Complications of septoplasty
Septoplasty is a minor procedure with relatively less post-operative complications. From these complications:
- Post-operative infection:Although infection is not common in septoplasty surgery, but the risk of infection increases following the surgery especially in immunocompromised patients. The infection may compromise the healing and causes fever and pain. For treatment, the surgeon would prescribe antibiotics and pus drainage to help relieve infection.
- Toxic shock syndromeis one of the serious infections, yet exceedingly rare. Fever, diarrhea, and hypotension are common symptoms. To prevent this infection the nasal pack is filled with specific antibiotic. The most common pathogen causing TSS is staph-aureus bacteria.
- Nasal septal abscesscan be a risk especially in patients with type 2 diabetes mellites. The risk increases if the patient has uncontrolled hyperglycemia.
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak:It is a rare side effect which could be found during the procedure. If the surgeon noticed the cerebrospinal fluid leak, an antibiotic coated pack is inserted in the nose. After the procedure, the patient would be recommended to have rest for a couple of days and to take antibiotics to guard against possible infections as meningitis. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, photophobia, and neck rigidity.
- Nasal septal perforation:One of septoplasty surgery complications, which typically occurs gradually over long-time. Patients with nasal septal perforations may complain of recurrent epistaxis, and noises during respiration. If the septal perforation develops, the patient may need a revision surgery to repair the perforation.
- Epistaxis:Mild nosebleed is expected in the healing time, but heavy bleeding is a reason for concern and contacting the surgeon.
- Nasal congestion or obstruction:The swelling that follows the surgery causes mild nasal congestion that subside after complete healing of the wound. If the congestion does not lessen with time or even worsen, which may be due to the septal deviation was not totally corrected during the procedure. Also, this could be due to a newly formed intranasal adhesions after the surgery. These complications can be prevented by inserting intranasal splints following the surgical procedure and during the healing time.
- Facial pain:A few patients may complain of tooth and gum pain, and numbness in the face following the surgery. This condition may be caused by nerve injuries that could happen during the procedure. Patients should be reassured that this pain and numbness will disappear with time.
- Miscellaneous:A few patients reported decrease or change in smell sense or insomnia, this complication is a temporary side effect of the procedure. Other complications may include:
- Change in patient’s voice
- Contusions or black eye
- Nasal deformity
