What is the Difference between Septoplasty and Sinus Surgery?
Our uniqueness is our individuality. Each human is different in his or her own way. These differences can be in how we perceive things, how we appear to ourselves and the others, how we carry ourselves and how our features and parts of body differ from one other. One such distinctive feature is our nose. The nose is made up of the bones, cartilage, skin and tissues.
Restricted airflow in the nose can be caused because of the shape of the nose and nasal cavity defects. The hinderance in regular breathing can lead to many problems such as snoring, difficulty in exercising, crusting and nose bleeds making and generally make everyday life uncomfortable.
There are two main reasons behind this. One is the septum’s structure and the second is the state of the sinuses. Both conditions can be easily treated by rhinoplasty surgeons. When not treated sinus infections can cause unbearable pain for a person. Before we get into treatment procedures let us take a dive into what the deviated septum and the sinus issues mean and why they need surgical corrections.
Sinus infections
There are 4 sets of sinuses around the nose, placed in the hollows of nose, eyes, and forehead. Their function is to act as a natural air filter, humidifier and improves the immune health. The inside of sinuses is lined the mucus for good air filtration. To keep the sinuses clean, body’s natural system drains the mucus in the nasal cavity. If for some reason the sinus become blocked (rhinosinusitis) because of viral or bacterial infections, then the residual mucus and other things can cause inflammation. In a sinus infection the fluid starts to fill the empty hair pockets and nasal polyps start to develop. The germs grow and multiply in the nose leading to various symptoms like itching, chronic discharge from the nasal region.
Another common reason for sinus issues is the deviate septum. If the septum is more towards one side it can trigger a host of complications including sinusitis. . Symptoms include facial pain, pressure, congestion, postnasal drip, and headaches.
What is a deviated septum?
The septum is made up of a bony cartilage that forms a wall between the two parts of the nose. it supports the structure of the nose and regulates the airflow. Ideally the septum should be straight but many a times it is not and has some degree of deviation. However, when the imbalance is extreme it can cause breathing issues and prevent draining from nose.
A deviated septum can also cause the turbinates to become inflamed. The turbinates filter and humidify the air before it goes into the lungs and prevent the nose from becoming moist. In cases of severely deviated septum the turbinates adjust their size by becoming bigger and it causes more blockage in the nose.
Treatment options
Endoscopic sinus surgery is most commonly used to treat chronic sinusitis. And septoplasty is the most popular option for treatment of sinuses. Best septoplasty surgeon in India often combinesturbinoplasty with septoplasty to give more relief to the patient.
Confused which procedure will work for you?
The choice of procedure between sinus surgery and septoplasty in India will depend on the persistent symptoms that you might be experiences. Difficulty in breathing is often because of deviated septum, whereas if you have been suffering from regular fluid discharge accompanied with chronic headaches and breathing issues then it can be because of the sinus infection. Both endoscopy for sinus and septoplasty in India are distinct procedures but surgical. they can be complementary and sometimes performed together. Here is an overview of the procedures and the differences between them to help you with the necessary decision making.
The procedure
Septoplasty: Septoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a deviated septum, which is a condition where the nasal septum, the thin wall between the nostrils, is significantly off-centre or crooked. This condition can obstruct the nasal passage and cause breathing difficulties, chronic congestion, frequent sinus infections, snoring, and other related problems.
Best septoplasty surgeon in India, perform the procedure by making an incision inside the nose and lifting the mucosal lining. The deviated septum is then corrected and repositioning by trimming or removing the portion that is blocking the airflow. The surgeon will ensure proper alignment. The surgery is done under general or local anaesthesia and the patient can go home the same day.
Sinus surgery: The sinus surgery is an endoscopic procedure and is also commonly known as sinusitis surgery or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), is a procedure performed to treat chronic or recurring sinus infections (sinusitis) and related sinus conditions. It aims to alleviate symptoms, improve sinus drainage, and reduce inflammation within the sinuses.
In this procedure the surgeon will use thin endoscope that has a camera attached to the end. The surgeon inserts the endoscope in the nose and can see the insides of the nose using the camera. He will then remove the tissues, and polyps to clear the air flow. The surgeon can also expand the sinus openings to improve the airflow in the nose. This is done using the balloon sinuplasty in which a small balloon is inserted in the nasal cavity and then inflated. After removing the balloon, the surgeon will use a saline spray to clean up any debris. The procedure can be done under local or general anaesthesia. There are no cuts in the procedure or parts of nose removed.
Risks
The common risks with septoplasty in India include bleeding, infection, difficult in breathing through the nose and persistent swelling around the nose. The recovery time in Septoplasty is longer than in balloon sinuplasty.
Sinus treatment on the other hand as few side effects and complications which also go away in few days. The common risk factors include congestion, swelling around the eyes and nasal cavities and a change in the appearance of nose.
Purpose
Septoplasty focuses on correcting a deviated septum to improve nasal breathing and alleviate related symptoms. Sinus surgery, on the other hand, addresses chronic sinusitis by removing obstructions, improving drainage, and reducing inflammation within the sinuses.
Targeted Structures
Septoplasty primarily targets the nasal septum, while sinus surgery focuses on the sinuses themselves, including the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses.
Indications
Septoplasty is typically recommended for individuals with a deviated septumcausing significant breathing problems. Sinus surgery is indicated for patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis that does not respond to other conservative treatments like medication.
It’s important to note that while septoplasty and sinus surgery have their distinct purposes, they can be performed simultaneously if the patient presents with both a deviated septum and chronic sinusitis. In such cases, the surgeon will address both issues during a single
Cost
The cost of septoplasty and sinus surgery in India can vary based on several factors, including the geographic location, the surgeon’s experience and reputation, the complexity of the procedure, the type of anaesthesia used, the surgical facility, and any additional treatments or services included. Here are some general considerations regarding the cost differences between septoplasty and sinus surgery:
Septoplasty Cost in India: Septoplasty is a surgical procedure specifically focused on correcting a deviated septum. The cost of septoplasty tends to be lower compared to sinus surgery due to the less extensive nature of the procedure.
Sinus Surgery Cost: The cost of sinus surgery is generally higher than that of septoplasty because it typically involves a more complex and comprehensive approach. The cost can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, the number of sinuses being treated, and additional factors.
Insurance Coverage: In some cases, both septoplasty and sinus surgery may be partially or fully covered by health insurance. However, coverage varies depending on the specific insurance plan, the severity of the condition, and whether the procedure is considered medically necessary. Septoplasty in India may have a higher chance of being covered if it is primarily aimed at correcting breathing difficulties, while sinus surgery may have a higher chance of coverage if it is performed to treat chronic sinusitis that does not respond to conservative treatments. It is essential to consult with the insurance provider to understand the coverage details and requirements.
