Introduction
Nasal septum repair, also known as septoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from a deviated septum. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are numerous institutions and doctors offering this service. In this article, we will explore the top 3 institutions on the ranking list for nasal septum repair in New York City. Before we delve into the top institutions, let's first understand what nasal septum repair is and why it is important.
Understanding Nasal Septum Repair
What is a Deviated Septum?
The nasal septum is the wall that divides the two nasal cavities. When it is not straight and is shifted to one side, it is called a deviated septum. A deviated septum can be the result of an injury or can occur during childbirth. If the septum shifts towards one side at a degree greater than 50%, it can cause difficulty breathing, nasal obstruction, and sinus issues. In some cases, this shift causes the inferior turbinate on the opposite side to enlarge, a condition known as compensatory hypertrophy (source: cangelloplasticsurgery.com).
What is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum. Also referred to as septal reconstruction or submucous septal resection, this corrective surgery straightens the partition between the two nasal cavities so that it runs down the center of the nose in the ideal anatomical formation. During a septoplasty operation, which is generally done under general anesthesia, the surgeon will usually make an incision on the lower portion of the septum and work through the nostrils to access the bone and cartilage targeted in the procedure. Most septoplasty procedures are comprised of five steps: the initial incision to expose the deviated septum, identifying and releasing the internal structures that are the cause of angulations, realigning the septum, reimplanting crushed cartilage (when appropriate), and closure of the incision (source: cangelloplasticsurgery.com).
Candidates for Septoplasty
This surgery is typically indicated for individuals with recurrent rhinitis, a deviated septum, or other chronic sinusitis. Septoplasty can also be performed to alleviate recurrent epistaxis (nosebleeds) due to septal impaction or septal spur. Additionally, it can be done for cosmetic purposes to straighten a crooked or deviated nose. However, septoplasty should not be performed on patients presenting with acute sinus or nasal infection. Individuals with untreated diabetes, bleeding diathesis, or severe hypertension are not candidates for septoplasty (source: cangelloplasticsurgery.com).
Septoplasty Risks & Recovery
Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure that has a very low risk of complications, and when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, it is both safe and effective. However, rare complications such as bleeding, septal hematoma, septal perforation, and hyposmia (decreased sense of smell) have been reported. During septoplasty recovery, patients can experience mild to moderate tenderness or pain at the front of the nose, as well as stuffiness due to swelling. Nasal drainage of blood and mucous is also common. Patients can expect swelling and congestion inside the nose to last between two and three days, and drainage may continue for up to five days. While over - the - counter (otc) medications usually suffice, the doctor may prescribe a pain reliever for the first day following surgery as well as a saline spray or irrigation treatment several times per day for the week following surgery to clear any nasal congestion. Full recovery generally takes one to two months (source: cangelloplasticsurgery.com).
Top 3 Institutions for Nasal Septum Repair in New York City
1. NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Doctors at the Institution
According to Healthgrades, many highly - rated doctors associated with nasal septum repair are affiliated with NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Doctors such as Dr. Ashutosh Kacker, Dr. Mukesh Prasad, Dr. Andrea Wang, Dr. George Alexiades, Dr. Samuel Selesnick, and Dr. Aaron Pearlman have all received high ratings (4.9 or 4.8 out of 5 stars) and are located at 1305 York Avenue 5th floor, New York, NY 10021. Dr. Ashutosh Kacker, for example, is a well - experienced ENT specialist who treats all ENT disorders and specializes in endoscopic skull base surgery. He is a board - certified otolaryngologist by the American Board of Otolaryngology and has many awards for his works, such as the Honduran Medical Foundation Travel Award in 2000. He serves in Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, treats both adults and children, and accepts new patients and provides video consultations (source: threebestrated.com).
Facilities and Resources
NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center is a world - class medical institution. It has state - of - the - art surgical facilities equipped with the latest technology for septoplasty procedures. The hospital also has a team of highly trained nurses, anesthesiologists, and support staff who are experienced in handling nasal septum repair surgeries. In addition, the institution offers comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, including counseling, follow - up appointments, and rehabilitation services.
Patient Reviews and Reputation
The hospital has a long - standing reputation for excellence in patient care. Many patients who have undergone nasal septum repair at NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center have left positive reviews, praising the skill of the doctors, the professionalism of the staff, and the quality of the facilities. The high ratings of the affiliated doctors also contribute to the overall positive reputation of the institution.
2. NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Doctors at the Institution
Healthgrades lists several top - rated doctors for nasal septum repair who are on staff at NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Eli Grunstein (rated 4.8 out of 5 stars), Dr. Hae - Ok Kim (rated 4.7 out of 5 stars), and Dr. David Gudis (rated 4.9 out of 5 stars) are some of the doctors associated with the institution. Dr. Eli Grunstein, for instance, provides high - quality care and has extensive experience in nasal septum repair surgeries (source: healthgrades.com).
Facilities and Resources
NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is renowned for its advanced medical facilities. The operating rooms are equipped with cutting - edge equipment for minimally invasive septoplasty procedures, which can lead to less pain, shorter recovery times, and better cosmetic results. The institution also has a research - intensive environment, which means that patients may have access to the latest advancements in nasal septum repair techniques.
Patient Reviews and Reputation
The hospital has a strong reputation for medical innovation and patient - centered care. Patients appreciate the personalized treatment plans and the attention to detail provided by the medical staff. The high ratings of the doctors associated with the institution also reflect positively on its overall standing in the field of nasal septum repair.
3. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Doctors at the Institution
Dr. Nilesh D. Patel is a well - known otolaryngologist at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. He is a board - certified otolaryngologist who completed his accelerated seven - year BS/MD program at Sophie Davis School of Medicine and graduated from the New York University School of Medicine in 1995. Dr. Patel treats all kinds of ENT - related disorders and has authored many publications, journals, and textbooks. He is also the chairman of the medical board at the institution. He has received high ratings and awards, such as being named a top ENT doctor in New York on BestRatedDocs and FindATopDoc - Top Doc 2019' by NY Top Docs (source: threebestrated.com).
Facilities and Resources
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai has specialized facilities for ENT surgeries, including nasal septum repair. The institution is equipped with modern diagnostic tools to accurately assess the condition of the nasal septum. They also offer a range of treatment options, from traditional septoplasty to more advanced minimally invasive techniques.
Patient Reviews and Reputation
The hospital has a good reputation among patients for its excellent customer service and high - quality medical care. Patients often mention the friendly and professional demeanor of the staff and the effectiveness of the treatments provided. The awards and recognition received by Dr. Nilesh D. Patel also add to the institution's credibility in the field of nasal septum repair.
Comparing the Top 3 Institutions
| Institution | Doctor Ratings | Facilities | Specialties | Patient Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center | Many doctors rated 4.8 - 4.9 out of 5 stars | State - of - the - art surgical facilities, comprehensive pre - and post - operative care | Endoscopic skull base surgery, general ENT disorders | Positive reviews for doctor skill, staff professionalism, and facility quality |
| NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center | Doctors rated 4.7 - 4.9 out of 5 stars | Advanced equipment for minimally invasive procedures, research - intensive environment | Advanced nasal septum repair techniques | High praise for medical innovation and patient - centered care |
| The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai | Dr. Nilesh D. Patel rated highly and has received awards | Specialized ENT facilities, modern diagnostic tools | All kinds of ENT - related disorders | Good reviews for customer service and treatment effectiveness |
Other Considerations When Choosing an Institution for Nasal Septum Repair
Insurance Coverage
It is important to check whether your insurance plan covers nasal septum repair at the institution you are considering. Different institutions may accept different insurance providers. For example, NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, etc. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai also accepts several major insurance carriers such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc. (source: healthgrades.com, threebestrated.com).
Location and Accessibility
Consider the location of the institution and how easy it is for you to get to. If you live far from the hospital, it may be more difficult to attend pre - and post - operative appointments. You should also consider the availability of parking and public transportation options.
Cost
In addition to insurance coverage, you need to consider the out - of - pocket costs associated with nasal septum repair. This may include co - pays, deductibles, and any additional fees for services not covered by insurance. It is advisable to get a detailed cost estimate from the institution before undergoing the surgery.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several excellent institutions for nasal septum repair. NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai are among the top 3 institutions on the ranking list. These institutions have highly rated doctors, advanced facilities, and a good reputation for patient care. However, when choosing an institution, you should also consider factors such as insurance coverage, location, and cost.
If you or someone you know is considering nasal septum repair, we encourage you to do further research on these institutions. Contact them directly to schedule a consultation and learn more about their services. Share this article with others who may be interested in nasal septum repair to help them make an informed decision.
