The State of the Art in Septoplasty: A Review of the Latest Achievements.

Abstract

The deviated nasal septum is the most common cause of nasal airway obstruction, frequently diagnosed by otolaryngologists in clinical practice. Reports displayed that this condition affects 70%-80% of the population. The etiology of this upper airway problem is mainly related to intrinsic deformity or quadrangular cartilage dislocation from its bony borders, which can finally confer different disorders, such as breathing problems, sinus infections, snoring, headaches, exacerbating sleep apnea, and sleep disturbances. One of the most common methods for correcting a deviated nasal septum is septoplasty. However, this procedure still requires significant improvements to enhance its effectiveness and reduce the risk of surgery-related complications, particularly nasal septal perforation and the recurrence of deviation in adolescents and adults. In recent years, numerous strategies have been proposed to enhance septoplasty outcomes and reduce surgery-related complications. Many of these approaches focus on improving pain management, restoring olfactory function, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing clinical nasal outcomes. Additionally, they are aimed at promoting healing of the nasal mucosa and close septal perforations following surgery. This narrative review critically appraises the latest advancements in septoplasty, contrasting high-level evidence from large multicenter trials with promising but preliminary findings from novel techniques aimed at enhancing outcomes and reducing complications.