The nasal septum serves many functions, including separation of the nasal airway into two distinct chambers, support of the nasal dorsum, and maintenance of the shape of the columella and tip. Traumatic deviation or developmental abnormalities of the nasal septum can lead to significant nasal airway obstruction and cosmetic deformity. Poor airflow can lead to impaired olfaction, impaired humidification and filtering of the passing air, and reduced oxygen inflow. Anatomic septal deviation can also lead to chronic sinus disease and can sometimes be reflected as an external nasal deformity. The septoplasty operation has evolved from simple cartilage manipulation to today’s more complex procedures, which are often combined with surgery on the turbinates and valves. Septoplasty corrects structural deformities of the nasal septum to relieve nasal obstruction. When septoplasty is combined with rhinoplasty, the procedure may help to straighten the deviated nose and provide cartilage grafts. Septoplasty is also performed in patients with a history of severe epistaxis caused by septal varices that develop from anterior cartilage deviation and the secondary interruption of lamellar airflow with resultant drying and irritation of the mucosa.
