Regional Veterinary Surgery

RESECTION OF NASAL SEPTUM

Indications

•  Traumatic wound in the nostrils
•  Fracture of the nasal bones

• Operation: A tracheotomy operation is performed to permit breathing as it is necessary to tamponade the nasal cavity to control haemorrhage.
• Anaesthesia: Anaesthesia is achieved by blocking both maxillary nerves, if necessary sedate the patient with appropriate drugs.

Operation technique

• A trephine opening is made on the median line of the face at the point where the nasal bones start to diverge from each other.
• This is determined by placing the thumb and finger on either side of the nasal bones and passing them backward over the dorso-lateral surface.
• A pair of compression forceps with jaws four inches long is inserted through the trephine opening and astride the nasal septum.
• The points of forceps should reach the full width of the nasal septum and are then closed tightly.
• The nasal septum is then divided anteriorly by a curved incision, leaving at least two inches of the septum to support the nostril.
• Secure the cut end with a pair of forceps, then place a nasal septum chisel astride the septum and push it along the superior border of the nasal septum until the chisel comes in contact with the forceps, withdraw the chisel and insert in the same manner along the floor of the nostril, cutting the septum free from the vomer bone with a narrow chisel placed anterior to and in contact with the forceps, divide the septum transversely and remove the septum through the nostril.
• Tamponade the nasal cavity tightly with antiseptic impregnated gauze. It is advisable to suture the nostrils shut to retain the tampon in position.
• The tampon and trachea tube may be removed in 48 hours. After operation, nasal cavity may be irrigated with a mild antiseptic solution through the trephine opening.