Difference Between SMR And Septoplast-various aspects-
What is Submucosal Resection?
The submucosal resection, or SMR, is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate excess tissue from the nose’s filters, referred to as enlarged turbinates. When the turbinates become enlarged, they can block nasal airways, leading to difficulties in breathing. Some individuals may also suffer from sinusitis, headaches, and discomfort.
When a deviated septum cannot be treated using alternative methods and leads to persistent sinus infections, the physician suggests that a patient undergo an SMR.
How does SMR involve?
The submucosal resection procedure is classified as a day-care operation, which indicates that the patient is able to return home on the same day as the surgery. Conducted under either local or general anesthesia, the procedure takes approximately an hour and a half to complete in its entirety.
The ENT specialist executes an SMR entirely through the nostrils; therefore, the external appearance of the nose remains unchanged. Additionally, the ideal candidate for SMR is someone aged 17 or older.
After administering anesthesia, the physician makes an incision inside the nose to allow a small spinning blade called a microdebrider to cut away the excess tissue. Since the incision is made internally, the mucus lining stays unaffected.
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is another surgical treatment performed to correct a deviated septum. Correcting the deviated septum facilitates improved airflow through the nasal pathways.
Know here: Is it possible to treat a deviated septum?
What does Septoplasty involve?
Septoplasty consists of the following steps –
Prior to the procedure, the doctor provides anesthesia (general or local) for patient comfort, either through an intravenous line or injection.
Once the patient is unconscious, the ENT surgeon creates an incision within the nasal cavity. If septoplasty is conducted alongside rhinoplasty, the incision is made along the narrow strip of tissue separating the nostrils.
Subsequently, the surgeon elevates the mucus lining, the membrane that covers the septum, from one side. The same action is repeated on the opposite side of the nostril. Given that the mucus lining is delicate and can easily tear or create a hole, this step is crucial.
The septum is corrected by either excising the bone or cartilage.
After aligning the septum, the physician repositions the nasal mucosal lining and stitches it back together.
Know here: How the nose looks before and after Septoplasty
To ensure the septum remains stable, the physician places splints or packaging, which are removed following the surgery. Eventually, the internal sutures inside the nose dissolve naturally over time.
SMR vs Septoplasty
While both SMR and Septoplasty address a deviated septum, many experts contend that these two procedures are not identical. They assert that during an SMR, substantial portions of tissue are removed, whereas, in a septoplasty, only a small portion of tissue is taken out.
SMR Septoplasty
| SMR | Septoplasty |
| A type of radial surgery | A type of Conservative Surgery |
| Performed entirely through the nostrils | Performed over the nose externally |
| Cannot be performed in children below 17 years | Can be performed in children also |
| Flaps elevated on both sides | Flaps elevated on the concave side of the nose only |
| Most of the cartilage is destroyed | Most of the cartilage is preserved |
| Chances of perforation higher | Chances of perforation higher |
| Performing another surgery after this is difficult | Performing another surgery after septoplasty is easier |
What are the potential risks that may arise following SMR and Septoplasty?
SMR and Septoplasty share similarities in that they both carry comparable types of risks. Some of the typical risks that individuals report after SMR or a septoplasty include-
- Nasal bleeding
- Infection
- Complications related to anesthesia
- Stuffy nose following the surgery
None of these complications are serious. Therefore, to alleviate discomfort, utilize a humidifier and adhere carefully to the post-operative guidelines provided by the ENT physician.
How to recuperate from Septoplasty or SMR?
It is typical to experience swelling, pain, and stuffing in the nose after an SMR or septoplasty. After a couple of days post-surgery, the physician will take out the packing. Keep in mind to take the pain medications prescribed by the physician.
Typically, health professionals advise patients to minimize the intake of blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medications before the surgery to lessen bleeding.
Additionally, refrain from engaging in strenuous activities such as running, lifting weights, or playing contact sports as these may increase blood pressure and lead to nose bleeding.
What is the difference between septoplasty and SMR?
Cartilage: The goal of septoplasty is to retain as much nasal cartilage as possible, whereas in SMR, a significant portion of this cartilage is lost. Modifications to the external shape of the nose: SMR does not alter the appearance of the nose, but Septorhinoplasty can result in a straighter-looking nose.
What is the difference between sinus surgery and septoplasty?
Septoplasty aims to rectify a misaligned nasal septum—a condition where the partition dividing the nasal cavities is bent or shifted—frequently leading to challenges in breathing. In contrast to sinuplasty, which mainly focuses on the sinuses, septoplasty deals with structural problems within the nasal cavity itself.
Which incision is given in SMR?
Conventional SMR
The Killian incision is the incision most frequently utilized for this operation. It is an angled incision located approximately 5mm above the lower edge of the septal cartilage. The mucoperichondrial flap was raised, and a cut was made through the cartilage; the other perichondrium must remain undamaged.
If you are interested in a turbinate reduction or septoplasty, you may get in touch with Prabha clinic today!
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