POSTOPERATIVE CARE IN SEPTOPLASTY: CURRENT CLINICAL EVIDENCE

Introduction: Septoplasty is one of the oldest and most common surgeries performed by otolaryngologists. However, to date, postoperative care still differs greatly according to the surgeon’s experience and preferences, to the detriment of scientific evidence. Objective: To review the most recent and relevant studies on the topic, to provide reliable and easily accessible information, allowing surgeons in the area to offer the best medical practice. Methods: A systematic review of the pertinent literature was performed, including studies published in the last ten years that assessed the risk of complications, pain, discomfort, and nasal obstruction after septoplasty, compared to the care adopted after surgery and in the perioperative period, regardless of the technique used. Conclusion: The use of antibiotic prophylaxis is unnecessary, but when indicated, a single dose of 1g intravenous cefazolin should be used immediately after the procedure. In the perioperative period, the prescription of pregabalin is indicated before surgery, infiltration with levobupivacaine at the beginning, and mattress suturing at the end of it. Nasal lavage should be performed with hypertonic saline or a combination of saline with high-volume, low-pressure fluticasone propionate.