Septoplasty is a surgery that is rarely performed on children, unlike adults. An important reason for this is why surgeons want to avoid operating on a developing structure.
The surgeon who will perform septoplasty in children should have knowledge of the anatomical development of the nasal structures. By the age of two, the anterior cartilage is close to adult size and forms the bulk of the septum. The bone that continues to develop after this is the septum. During puberty, rapid nose growth occurs between the ages of 8-12 in girls and at the age of 13 in boys. The development of the nose is completed at approximately the age of 16 in girls and 18 in boys.
There may be different reasons for septum deviation in children. Compression in the womb or trauma during normal delivery may cause septal deviation by pushing the cartilage of the septal structures during rapid growth in early childhood and adolescence. The increased rate of deviation detection as age increases is also associated with the increased risk of nasal trauma. There is no relationship between gender and septum deviation. Apart from nasal trauma, blood accumulation in the septum, abscesses, masses, and rarely previous septum surgeries can cause deviation in children.
Nasal congestion is a common complaint in children. It is also known that nasal congestion causes many problems, from facial and orthodontic deformities to sleep apnea. A detailed physical examination, including endoscopic evaluation, should be performed to decide whether septal deviation is the cause of nasal obstruction. In cases where physical examination cannot be sure, computed tomography may be performed.
The age for performing septoplasty should be waited until 5-6 years of age. However, if necessary, intervention can be made at an earlier age. The relatively smaller nostrils in children will initially challenge the surgeon. However, difficulties can be overcome with experience and anatomical mastery. As a general principle, the best tissue-preserving methods should be chosen as much as possible, and unnecessary large tissue removals should be avoided.
Studies show that septoplasty performed in childhood provides improvement in the complaint of nasal congestion. The degree of functional recovery achieved after septoplasty in children is higher than the risk of side effects. it is strong. A. It is important to have a good preoperative evaluation, correct diagnosis, mastery of anatomical development points, and the least and appropriate intervention possible.
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