Pediatric Nasal Surgery (Septoplasty)

The septum, made of cartilage and bone, divides the nostrils into two. It is not uncommon to have a deviated or crooked septum. The surgery for straightening a deviated septum involves making an incision inside the nose and exposing the cartilage and the bone. The cartilage and bone are then remodeled to straighten the septum. The risks are minimal and the success rates are in the high 90's. In children, a Septoplasty is not commonly recommended because the nose is still growing and we want to avoid disrupting the process, if possible. If Dr. Tamez does recommend a Septoplasty, it would be performed in an extremely conservative manner with minimal chances of disrupting the growth process.

Possible Treatments

• Adenoidectomy alone
• Ear tubes
• Minimal Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Tools/Technology

• Coblation
• Microdebrider
• Stryker Image guidance
• Merogel
• Doyle splints
• Balloon Sinuplasty

Fact Sheets

• Stuffy Noses
• Your Nose: The Guardian of Your Lungs