Perforated Septum after Septoplasty

Hi,

I had a severely deviated septum and went thru a septoplasty surgery about 2 months ago. The surgery went smooth and i can def. feel the difference in breathing after the surgery. I had 3 post-op visits with my surgeon. 1st to remove the splints (1 week post-op) and 2 others for general checkups (2 weeks and 1 month pos-op)

In my last visit (about a month ago), my surgeon said...that thrs still some crusting getting stuck as well as dryness. He advised me to do nasal irrigation (neilmed) twice a day and continue using saline spray (Ayr) every few hrs. I have been following his advice and have seen big chunks of dry mucus fall off every few days while doing the nasal irrigation. The surgeon told me to continue doing this for 2 months...and if it doesnt improve...then visit him again.

It's been 1 month since. I havent seen any improvement. a few days ago, I did feel a hole in my septum (on the side the surgery was done)

Doing some research online, leads me to believe that I might have a perforated septum (which can occur in some cases after septoplasty)

My questions are -
1. Is the dryness normal, even 2 months post surgery?
2. Will I have to go through surgery again to fill this hole or can it be filled in a non-surgical manner?
3. Is perforated septum caused by an improper surgical procedure?


PS: I have never taken any drugs...so the hole is not caused by snorting coke. I do smoke cigs once in a while but I did not smoke a single cig...for atleast 5 weeks after surgery.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Dryness and crusting can be a normal condition after a septoplasty, but can also potentially be a sign of a perforated septum. A perforation cannot be diagnosed and corfirmed without a direct examination.  Clearly you need to be seen again by your surgeon before the two month period he advised.  Any discussion of additional surgery is premature depending on the findings at your next examination.