Deviated Septum
Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure done to straighten a deviated septum, the partition between the two nasal cavities. Ideally, the septum should run down the center of the nose. When it deviates into one of the cavities, it narrows that cavity and slows airflow. The symptoms of which include:
- Headaches
- Facial Pain
- Nosebleeds
- Loud Breathing or Snoring
A deviated septum is also a common symptom of sleep apnea.
Corrective Surgery
The accepted procedure to fix a deviated septum involves an excision/realignment of a portion of the bone and/or cartilage in the nasal cavity. Under general or local anesthesia, the surgeon works through the nostrils, making an incision in the lining of the septum to reach the cartilage targeted in the operation. After the septum is straightened, it may then be stabilized temporarily with small plastic tubes, splints, or sutures internally.
Revolutionary Tool for Septoplasty
While the risks involved with this surgery are low, Dr. Dillard and the physicians of Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia saw an opportunity to decrease the chances of post surgery complications through developing better tools. They found that, after some modification, a dental sonic drill could be used to perform the same procedure. Through the features inherent with a more compact design, smaller incisions can be made, and these smaller incisions can lead to less post surgery bleeding and packing! The less invasive patent pending drill is still in trials, but is performing well in cadaver labs.
Just another example of how we are continually innovating to better take care of you!
If you think you could benefit from correcting a deviated septum or any other ear nose and throat condition, feel free to contact us and find out.
Written by Patrick Gordon