STORY BY

Meredith Raine

For at least seven years, Jeff Ruzicka suffered chronic nasal congestion and recurrent sinus infections – the nasty side effects of a deviated septum. The symptoms progressed so severely that they began to interfere with his quality of life – and his wife’s.

He had to give up outdoor activities and chores (including lawn mowing) and his wife, Cindy, had long since kissed goodbye any hope of silencing his snoring so she could get a decent night’s sleep.

Now, with the help of a new surgical device offered by physicians who see patients at UT Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the Ruzickas are breathing—and sleeping—easier.

Whether by accident or design, a deviated septum is like a poorly constructed wall or partition inside the nose. Nasal septum deviation, a common physical disorder of the nose, occurs when the bone and cartilage between the two nasal passages misaligns and causes obstruction. It is most frequently caused by impact trauma and can also be a congenital disorder.

Martin J. Citardi, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and otolaryngology chief at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, says a procedure called septoplasty is an established, effective treatment for deviated septum. An estimated 500,000 patients undergo the minor surgical procedure each year in the United States. Citardi and fellow UT Medical School surgeons at the Texas Sinus Institute perform septoplasties at Memorial Hermann-TMC.

While septoplasty has had proven results, Citardi says, because of the conventional suturing required, it also has come with a prolonged recovery that could extend weeks and even months.

“I had heard horror stories about this procedure,” Cindy Ruzicka says. “Everyone I talked to who had septoplasty had nothing good to say about it.”

Reluctant to have surgery but desperate for relief, the Ruzickas sought Citardi’s advice. He told them about a new septal stapler device that had the potential to reduce both operating time and recovery time, thus diminishing the discomfort associated with surgery.

“Earlier this year, a device that replaces much of the conventional suturing done during septoplasty was introduced,” Citardi says. “In the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) world, this is something that we have long sought, but no one had figured out how to do it.”

The new device, Citardi says, has allowed for a shorter time for patients in the operating room, meaning quicker recovery and lower costs. “Theoretically, this could lead to improvement in post-operative healing and long-term results,” Citardi says.

Jeff Ruzicka is a believer. “I noticed an instant improvement,” he says. “I could breathe.” He went home the same day as the surgery and didn’t even require packing in the nose to control bleeding. “My sense of smell is even beginning to return,” he says.

Best yet, because of the septoplasty, Ruzicka may be able to eliminate all his sinus medications.

Citardi said septoplasty may be recommended for patients with a deviated septum that is causing symptoms of nasal obstruction and congestion that persists despite medical treatment.

“Obviously, septoplasty is not a procedure for all patients,” Citardi said. “However, for patients who are candidates, septoplasty can cause a dramatic reduction in symptoms. The addition of the septal stapler shortens operating room time and probably reduces recovery time. It is a straightforward device with real impact.”

 

 

Last Updated: 8-24-2009

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