Deviated septum surgery for sleep apnea

A deviated septum surgery is usually performed in cases of Obstruction of the nose and it has been found that nasal breathing is a common finding in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. And the cause of such obstruction may be due to turbinate tissue overgrowth, deviated septum or collapse/narrowing of the nasal valve.

The only way to correct a deviated septum is through surgery. Such a surgery namely septoplasty is usually performed on an out-patient basis, with either general or local anesthesia, and usually takes 1-1 1/2 hours. Such a procedure is performed entirely through the nostrils, and if it is the only procedure performed, it does not cause any bruising or swelling following surgery.
What Is a Deviated Septum surgery and how it occurs?
The nasal cavity is divided into two halves by a partition made of cartilage and bone, called the nasal septum. The two halves are the nostrils. But in as many as 80% of all people, the nasal cavity is not divided equally. This will result into a deviated septum. For many people, this imperfection does not cause any problems, but for some, it can lead to difficulty in breathing and even chronic sinus infections.
No nasal septum surgery is required for most people but in severe cases, surgery for deviated septum may be recommended.
It occurs when the septum is deviated at birth (congenital) or because of injury, such as a broken nose.
As stated above,the most used surgical method for nasal reconstruction in deviated septums is called Septoplasty. Done through the nose, this type of nasal reconstruction is done without incisions on the outside unless rhinoplasty is involved. And once the pieces of the septum are removed and straightened, they are then put back inside the nose.
After the surgery your nose is gonna drip blood--quite a bit of it in the first few hours after the surgery -but it will gradually reduce as more time passes.
Are there any alternatives for a deviated septum surgery ?
There are decongestants and antihistamines to combat allergic rhinitis (hay fever), which is often present as well systemic corticosteroids, e.g. Nasonex or prednisone.
There is not usually significant discomfort but there may be minor postoperative pain with septoplasty surgery, though . A short course of narcotic pain relievers is typically sufficient for pain relief. This surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained specialists in the field.
Concerning the price for such an intervention the Cost depends upon complexity of procedure.
Many insurance companies will cover septoplasty, as it is a procedure which improves breathing function.
Once a deviated septum surgery has been completed, most people have clear nasal passages, less sinus infection, and unsightly bumps removed from their noses.
How to help prevent a deviated symptom?
So to help prevent a deviated septum:
1. Wear seat belts in airplanes automobiles and
2. Wear appropriate protective headgear when playing sports.
A deviated septum surgery is important for people suffering from blocked nose as this will greatly help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea.

(taken from www.sleepapneacuresnow.com)