Name of the Procedure:

Cartilage Graft; Nasal Septum

Summary

A cartilage graft for the nasal septum involves taking a piece of cartilage from a donor site, such as the ear or rib, and using it to repair or reconstruct the nasal septum. This procedure helps improve nasal function and/or appearance.

Purpose

The primary aim is to correct a deviated or damaged nasal septum, which can cause breathing difficulties, chronic nasal congestion, and sometimes snoring. The procedure seeks to restore normal airflow through the nostrils and can also improve cosmetic appearance.

Indications

• Persistent nasal obstruction unresponsive to medical treatments
• Breathing difficulties due to nasal septum problems
• Structural damage from injury or trauma to the nose
• Congenital deformities or previous unsuccessful nasal surgeries
• Chronic sinus infections linked to nasal septum issues

Preparation

• Patients may be advised to avoid eating and drinking for 8-12 hours before the surgery.
• Instructions on pausing specific medications, especially blood thinners, will be provided.
• A preoperative assessment, including medical history, physical exam, and imaging tests like CT scans, may be required.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: The procedure typically begins with administering general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
2. Incision: A small incision is made inside the nose to access the septum.
3. Cartilage Harvesting: Cartilage is harvested from the donor site (ear, rib).
4. Grafting: The harvested cartilage is shaped and placed to support or reconstruct the nasal septum.
5. Closing: The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches, ensuring the graft is securely in place.

Duration

The procedure usually takes around 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

The surgery is generally performed in a hospital operating room or specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist or plastic surgeon
• Surgical nurses
• Anesthesiologist

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the graft or donor site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Graft displacement or absorption
• Scarring or poor wound healing
• Persistent septal deviation or breathing issues
• Rarely, a perforation in the septum

Benefits

• Improved nasal airflow and breathing
• Correction of nasal septum deformities
• Enhanced nasal cosmetic appearance
• Reduced nasal obstruction symptoms and associated health issues

Recovery

• Initial recovery occurs over 1-2 weeks, with most swelling and bruising subsiding.
• Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, nose-blowing, and exposure to dusty environments.
• Follow-up visits to monitor healing and graft stability.
• Full recovery and stabilization can take several months.

Alternatives

• Septoplasty: A surgical procedure to straighten the septum without a cartilage graft.
• Non-surgical treatments: Nasal steroid sprays or decongestants for mild cases.
• Balloon Sinuplasty: An option for those with specific nasal blockage patterns.

Patient Experience

• Patients will likely experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising post-surgery.
• Pain management includes prescribed painkillers and cold compresses.
• Majority report significant improvement in nasal breathing and overall quality of life following recovery.