A septum is a dividing wall, and in medical terms, it is a partition that may be formed in different parts of the body, such as the uterus or the nasal cavity. Up to 5% of women are born with uterine septums, which can cause fertility problems, recurrent miscarriages, and painful cycles. Like the nose, nasal septums can sometimes develop deviations that block airflow, cause chronic breathing problems, and lead to sinus infections. Seventy percent of patients whose quality of life or health is severely affected by a septum may find septum removal surgery to be a commonly recommended solution.
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Septum removal may be beneficial for individuals experiencing one or more of the following:
If you have infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or painful menstruation caused by a uterine septum, you may get relief from surgery. A uterine septum removal can assist in improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy and reproductive health.
Uterine septum removal surgery is usually done through a hysteroscopic approach. This method is minimally invasive and requires no external incisions, which makes it a popular and less invasive choice for patients. The steps involved are as follows:
Preparation and Anesthesia: The patient is normally placed under general anesthesia so that he or she is comfortable during the procedure. Sometimes sedation is used in combination with local anesthesia.
Insertion of the Hysteroscope: A hysteroscope is a thin tube like instrument with a camera and light source inserted through the vaginal canal and cervix to the uterus. Real time images of the uterine cavity are obtained with the hysteroscope, so the surgeon can better visualize the septum.
Infusion of Saline Solution: A sterile saline solution is often infused into the uterine cavity to improve visibility and to expand the uterus. This expansion also allows the surgeon to more easily identify the septum and move surgical instruments.
Resection of the Septum: Specialized instruments, such as a resectoscope or fine surgical scissors, are used by the surgeon to carefully cut and remove septal tissue. Here, it is important to be precise, as only the septal tissue that is abnormal should be removed, leaving the healthy walls of the uterus intact.
Verification of the Uterine Cavity Shape: After the septum is resected, the surgeon can check the restored shape of the uterus by looking into it through the hysteroscope. On occasion, additional imaging, such as ultrasound, is ordered to verify the procedure's success.
Postoperative Care: Post surgery, the patient is usually monitored for a few hours. After being discharged, she may have some mild cramping or light bleeding, which usually resolves within a few days. Patients can return to normal activities within a week, but a follow-up appointment is necessary to make sure the healing has gone properly.
The septum removal cost can vary based on a few factors, which include the type of surgery, location, and whether the procedure is covered under insurance or not. However, the average septum removal surgery cost in Delhi ranges from Rs 15,000 to Rs 55,000.
Director – IVF & Infertility, Laparoscopic & Robotic Gynae Surgery
Femme nest – Centre for IVF & Gynaecology
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali
Pushpanjali Medical Centre