Deviated Nasal Septum

What is nasal septum ?

A nasal septum is a bony-cartilaginous wall that separates the nasal cavity into a right side and left side (Figure 1a&b). In most people, the septum is slightly bent or crooked (called a deviated nasal septum). Sometimes, the bent septum can be bad enough to cause significant blockage of the nasal cavity on one side of the nose. The reason for a bent nasal septum is often unknown but may be attributable to congenital (born with it) or traumatic causes.

If a deviated nasal septum causes significant blocked nose, it should be corrected by septoplasty (surgery to correct a deviated nasal septum). Other reasons for septoplasty include nosebleed due to a vessel at or behind the bent septum and for surgical access to sinus surgery. Septoplasty is done through the nose without any external cuts on the nose or face.