Conventional vs. endoscopic septoplasty: our experience

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">A straight septum is the exception rather than the rule. A deviated septum can be asymptomatic or can cause functional and cosmetic abnormality. Different surgeries have been proposed for correction of deviated septum but septoplasty has been the procedure of choice. Septoplasty is a more conservative surgery with fewer complications and endoscopic septoplasty has become increasingly popular over the last few decades. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">This is a comparative study conducted at a tertiary care centre over a period of 1 year on 100 cases to compare the efficacy of endoscopic septoplasty with conventional septoplasty. 50 cases underwent conventional septoplasty while the other 50 cases underwent endoscopic septoplasty. Relief from pre-operative symptoms, anatomical correction of deformity and intraoperative/postoperative complications were studied. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Patients belonging to endoscopic septoplasty group showed better symptomatic relief and lesser incidence of complications when compared to the conventional septoplasty group. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Endoscopic septoplasty has better illumination and additional magnification which aid in accurate identification of pathology and precise excision of the deviated septal part. It is also useful for correction of posterior and high deviations of septum and for revision surgeries. Coventional septoplasty has got its own merits like dealing with situations in which septal damage is more and post trauma. Though better patient compliance, better relief from symptoms and lesser rate of complications give an edge for endoscopic over conventional septoplasty, both the procedures need to be done together in some situations to achieve optimal results.</span></p>

Nasal Avulsion Injuries

The nose is the most frequently traumatized portion of the human face. High-speed motor vehicle accidents and interpersonal violence commonly produce bony pyramid and septal damage and occasional minor soft-tissue damage. Major soft-tissue injuries are much less commonly encountered. Avulsion injuries of this type may involve skin only or the bony and cartilaginous framework as well. The severity of these injuries can range from total avulsion to minor skin loss and anywhere within the spectrum between. My experience is reviewed, management guidelines and options are detailed, and selected cases are presented.