Septoplasty in the pre pubertal age group is a controversial operation because of concerns regarding retardation of subsequent mid facial growth.Septoplasty is the preferred surgical treatment to correct a deviated septum. This procedure is not generally performed on minors, because the cartilaginous septum grows until around age 15 or puberty. Septal deviations commonly occur due to nasal trauma.
Surgery to correct nasal abnormalities in children has significant implications in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, especially obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Septal deformity can contribute to significant nasal obstruction, and failure to address this problem in the treatment of children with sleep disordered breathing will usually result in recurrence of symptoms.
(Preoperative considerations and a simple technique in performing septoplasty are discussed).