COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF ENDOSCOPIC SEPTOPLASTY AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN INDIA

Abstract

Introduction: Septoplasty for nasal septal deviation is one of the most commonly performed surgeries by the otolaryngologist. Though various surgical techniques have evolved for correction of a deviated septum, complications are still common. Method: A prospective study of 90 patients of symptomatic nasal septal deviation was done to investigate for development of complications after endoscopic septoplasty. Complications were catagorised into early, occurring within 7 days and late, usually detected within three months after surgery. Results; Most common early complication was haemorrhage seen in overall 16.66% of patients. 6.66% had primary hemorrhage during surgery and 8.88% had reactionary hemorrhage within 24 hours of surgery. Secondary hemorrhage and septal hematoma was rare(1.1%) . Most common late complication was persistence of subjective symptom of nasal blockage(15.55%) followed by nasal synache(5.55%). Septal perforation and vestibular stenosis are less common(1.1%). CSF leak, saddle nose, nasal tip ptosis or any ocular complications were not seen in any patient. Conclusion:. Meticulous preoperative planning with precise surgical techniques during endoscopic septoplasty can reduce the risk of complications that may have a profound effect on the functional and aesthetic aspects of a person’s life.