Quick septoplasty: surgical technique and learning curve

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Nasal Airway Surgery

Background:

• Septoplasty is a common nasal surgery, yet its technical aspects are often underestimated and inadequately taught.
• Difficulties in septal surgery can lead to suboptimal outcomes and patient dissatisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel septoplasty technique for correcting nasal septal deviations.
• To assess the impact of the new technique on nasal breathing and operative time.

Main Methods:

• A new septoplasty technique was applied to 1,035 patients (mean age 35.7 years).
• Preoperative and postoperative anterior active rhinometry (AAR) were used to measure nasal airflow resistance.
• The technique was combined with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in 157 cases and rhinoplasty in 416 cases.

Main Results:

• 98% of patients (1,017) showed a significant reduction in nasal breathing resistance post-surgery (p<0.001).
• No cases of septal perforation, infection, or significant bleeding were reported; 3 cases of synechiae occurred.
• The mean operative time for septoplasty was 13.83 minutes, with a short learning curve of approximately 20 procedures.

Conclusions:

• The new septoplasty technique is effective and rapid for correcting septal deviations in adults and children.
• The technique is reproducible, easy to learn, and can be safely combined with other nasal surgeries like FESS and rhinoplasty.