Nasal septal deviation

Deviation of the nasal septal deviation is often a result of trauma, either recent or in the past, including at birth.

One acquired in a young child may become more pronounced as the septum grows.

Septal deviation may cause significant nasal airway obstruction, requiring surgical correction.

Septoplasty is a clinically effective treatment for nasal obstruction associated with septal deviation compared with a defined regimen of nasal steroid and saline sprays (1)

• supports previous study evidence from van Egmond et al which showed (2):
  • septoplasty is more effective than non-surgical management for nasal obstruction in adults with a deviated septum
    • effect was sustained up to 24 months of follow-up

Reference:

1. Carrie S et al. Clinical effectiveness of septoplasty versus medical management for nasal airways obstruction: multicentre, open label, randomised controlled trial BMJ 2023; 383 :e075445 doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-075445
2. van Egmond MMHT, Rovers MM, Hannink G, Hendriks CTM, van Heerbeek N. Septoplasty with or without concurrent turbinate surgery versus non-surgical management for nasal obstruction in adults with a deviated septum: a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2019 Jul 27;394(10195):314-321.