Septoplasty And Bilateral Submucous Reduction Of The Inferior Turbinates (BSMRIT’s)
Septoplasty is an operation to correct a deformity in the wall that divides the two sides of the nose (the septum). Typically performed to improve nasal breathing, the procedure may also be used to allow adequate access to the inside of the nose for treatment of polyps, inflamed tissue, tumors, or bleeding. When the nasal septum is deformed and causing symptoms, surgery is the only effective way to correct it. Because septoplasty only involves the inside the nose, it does not affect the outward appearance of the nose. The undesirable results that may occur from a septoplasty include a hole in the septum, failure to completely improve breathing, postoperative bleeding, nasal crusting, and in very rare instances an unintended change in the appearance of the nose.
Submucous resection of the inferior turbinates is a procedure to treat the symptoms of nasal obstruction (stuffy nose), as a result of chronic turbinate hypertrophy. The procedure typically involves the use of a suction debrider (a 2 mm diameter suction tube with a spinning blade inside) that gently removes stroma (blood-filled spaces) while preserving the normal mucosal lining of the nose, though other techniques may be used at the surgeon’s discretion. Performed through a small incision, this process does not typically require stitches or “cutting” and may be thought of like “mini-liposuction” to make the nasal structures thinner. Results of the procedure can vary, but they are typically excellent and lasting. SMRIT may cause temporary nasal stuffiness, crusting, bloody drainage, and mild pain for a few days. These symptoms generally resolve within one week. Non-narcotic, over-the-counter analgesic medication is generally sufficient for controlling any pain that may result from this procedure if no other procedures are performed at the same time.