Septoplasty in Barcelona: deviated septum surgery

At a glance

Purpose: To correct a deviated septum that stops you breathing well through your nose.
Anaesthesia: General.
Duration: About an hour in theatre.
Where: Clínica Sagrada Familia, Barcelona.
Hospital stay: Day surgery or one night.
Back to normal: Office work after about a week; strenuous sport after 3 to 4 weeks.
Flying home: Usually possible from about 7 to 10 days after surgery, once checked.

What is septoplasty?

The nasal septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two passages. When it is deviated, one or both passages become narrow and air cannot flow normally. Septoplasty is the operation that straightens the septum, removing or repositioning the bent parts, so that air can flow freely through both sides again.

It is one of the most common ENT operations and is carried out entirely inside the nose, with no visible scars.

When is it recommended?

Almost everybody’s septum is slightly off-centre, and that alone is not a reason for surgery. Septoplasty is considered when the deviation causes symptoms that affect your quality of life and do not improve with medical treatment:

Constant nasal blockage on one or both sides.
Mouth breathing, especially at night, waking with a dry mouth.
Snoring or poor-quality sleep made worse by nasal obstruction.
Recurrent sinusitis, when the deviation prevents the sinuses from draining.
Recurrent nosebleeds related to the deviation.
Difficulty tolerating CPAP for sleep apnoea.

Diagnosis before deciding

A good surgical decision depends on a good diagnosis. At your first visit we examine your nose with video nasal endoscopy, which shows the septum, the turbinates and the sinus openings, and lets you see the images on screen. Depending on the case, this is completed with rhinomanometry, which measures airflow through each side, and a CT scan if the sinuses may be involved.

Obstruction is often not caused by the septum alone. Swollen turbinates or a narrow nasal valve also play a part, and treating them in the same operation is often key to the result.

Septoplasty or functional rhinoseptoplasty

Septoplasty: only the internal septum is corrected. The shape of the nose does not change.
Functional rhinoseptoplasty: when the deviation also affects the nasal bridge or the valve, the outer structure is corrected so that the nose works properly. The aim is breathing, although symmetry often improves too.

Both can be combined with radiofrequency turbinate reduction, a minimally invasive technique that reduces their size without removing them.

The operation

Surgery takes place in the operating theatre of the Clínica Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, under general anaesthetic, and takes about an hour. It can be day surgery or include one night at the clinic. The septum is reached from inside the nose, the lining is lifted and the deviated parts are corrected or removed while keeping the support the nose needs. Internal splints or soft packing are placed at the end, depending on the case.

Recovery

First few days: a blocked nose, some blood-stained mucus and mild discomfort. Take it easy, sleep with your head slightly raised and avoid straining.
First week: a clinic check-up to remove splints or packing and clean the nose. Saline rinses several times a day.
Two to three weeks: most patients are back to normal life. Avoid strenuous sport and knocks to the nose, and fly only when we advise.
Two to three months: healing is complete and the final result can be assessed.

Risks

Like any operation, septoplasty has risks, which are uncommon: bleeding, infection, adhesions between the septum and the turbinates, septal perforation or some remaining obstruction. Before surgery we will explain the risks that apply to your particular case and answer all your questions, in English.

Frequently asked questions

Will septoplasty change the shape of my nose?

No. Septoplasty works on the septum inside the nose and does not change how your nose looks. If a visible deviation of the nasal bridge also blocks your breathing, a functional rhinoseptoplasty, which corrects the outer structure too, may be considered.

Is septoplasty painful?

The operation is done under general anaesthetic. Afterwards, most patients describe a blocked-up feeling rather than pain, which is managed with standard painkillers for the first few days.

Will I have packing in my nose?

It depends on the technique and the case. Soft silicone splints or short-term soft packing are often used and are removed at the clinic after a few days. We will explain exactly what to expect before surgery.

When will I breathe better?

Improvement starts once the splints are removed and swelling settles, usually within the first few weeks. The final result is assessed after two to three months.

I live abroad. How many days do I need to stay in Barcelona?

As a guide, plan for around 7 to 10 days: the pre-operative visit, the surgery and the first check-up when splints are removed. A first assessment can be done by video consultation with your reports and scans, so that you only travel once a decision has been made.

Do I need a CT scan before surgery?

Not always. It is requested when the sinuses may also be involved or when the endoscopic examination suggests it.

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Before surgery you receive the informed consent document of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC), which explains the technique, its alternatives and its risks.

Guidance written by the team of Dr. Carlos Magriñá, an ENT surgeon with more than 35 years of experience in Barcelona. Every case needs an individual medical assessment.

Septoplasty and functional rhinoseptoplasty in Barcelona