Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is a wall made of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two separate passages. It is a midline structure, and in a healthy nose, there is usually nearly equal airflow on both sides. Sometimes, the septum is crooked or twisted. This condition is called a deviated nasal septum, and it can be caused by trauma to the nose, or patients can be born this way.
The primary problem with a deviated nasal septum is nasal stuffiness, either on one side or both sides. A deviated septum can be surgically repaired with an operation called a septoplasty.
Septoplasty is an outpatient procedure which usually takes under one hour. It may be performed alone, or in conjunction with other surgeries such as endoscopic sinus surgery and/or turbinate reduction.
Your physician will discuss what surgery is most appropriate for you.