Factors Affecting the Complication Rate of Septoplasty: Analysis of 1,506 Consecutive Cases of Single Surgeon

Summary of Study on Septoplasty Complications

Study Overview:

The study analyzed complications from septoplasty (a surgery to correct a deviated nasal septum) performed by a single surgeon. It looked at the medical records of 1,506 patients who had the procedure between January 2003 and May 2020. The goal was to understand the common complications and what factors might increase the risk of these complications.

Key Findings:

Common Complications:

Insufficient Correction: This was the most frequent problem, occurring in 5.2% of patients. It means that the surgery didn’t fully correct the nasal septum, and 21 patients needed a second surgery (revision septoplasty).

Reduced Sense of Smell: Reported in 3.9% of patients.

Hematoma (Blood Accumulation): Seen in 3.7% of patients.

Nasal Adhesions (Synechia): Occurred in 2.2% of cases.

Abscess (Infection): Found in 1.3% of patients.

Septal Mucosal Defect (Damage to Nasal Lining): Seen in 1.2% of patients.

Septal Perforation (Hole in Septum): 0.6% of patients.

Postoperative Bleeding: Occurred in 0.4% of patients.

Saddle Nose (Nasal Deformation): Found in 0.3% of cases.

Chondritis (Cartilage Inflammation): Also 0.3%.

Empty Nose Syndrome: 0.3% of patients experienced this.

Factors Affecting Complication Rates:

Revision Surgeries: Patients who needed a second surgery had a higher chance of insufficient correction compared to those who had only one surgery.

Surgical Techniques:

Bilateral Flap Elevation: More likely to result in hematomas, abscesses, and mucosal defects.

Bony Batten: Increased risk of reduced sense of smell.

Cartilage Batten: Associated with higher rates of hematomas, abscesses, and septal mucosal defects.

Conclusions:

Septoplasty carries a risk of several complications, with some occurring more frequently depending on the surgical technique used.The likelihood of complications can be influenced by factors such as whether a revision surgery is needed and the specific surgical methods applied.

Takeaway:

While septoplasty can help correct a deviated nasal septum, it's important to be aware of the potential risks. The type of surgical approach and the need for additional procedures can affect the risk of complications.

How many percent risk is it to receive any of these mentioned complications from septoplasty?

Based on the data from the study, if you undergo septoplasty, the estimated total risk of experiencing at least one of the mentioned complications is approximately 22.2%**. This estimate combines the risk of all individual complications and assumes that each risk is independent of the others. Actual risk may vary based on specific circumstances, surgical techniques, and individual patient factors. see calculations in the embedded file below.