---
title: "Septoplasty Part 1 - Definition, Goldman Criteria, Indications & Contraindications"
description: "Septoplasty: definition, aims, Goldman criteria, clinical indications, contraindications, septal support principles, and key points for exams and viva."
source: "The ENT Resident"
author: "Dr. Mausumi Das"
canonical_url: "https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/septoplasty-definition-indications-contraindications"
categories: ["Rhinology", "Surgery"]
video: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV5EwnxoWH4"
image: "https://media.theentresident.com/og-images/septoplasty-definition-indications-contraindications.png"
---

# Septoplasty Part 1 - Definition, Goldman Criteria, Indications & Contraindications

Septoplasty: definition, aims, Goldman criteria, clinical indications, contraindications, septal support principles, and key points for exams and viva. Watch the full video lecture on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV5EwnxoWH4

## 👃 Septoplasty - Definition, Indications & Contraindications

This post covers:

- Definition of septoplasty
- Aim of septoplasty
- Goldman criteria for septoplasty
- Indications of septoplasty
- Contraindications of septoplasty

---

### 📝 Definition of Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a **conservative surgical procedure** used to correct a deviated nasal septum by correction of **only the deviated portions of the septal cartilage and/or bone**, while **preserving adequate septal support**.

> What is Submucous Resection of Septum (SMR)?

> What are the differences between SMR and Septoplasty?

---

### 🎯 Aims of Septoplasty

- Preserve as much **septal support** as possible
- Resect only **minimal portions** of the septal cartilage
- Mobilize the septum to the **midline**

> What is the Goldman Criteria for Septoplasty?

---

### ✅ Indications of Septoplasty

Indications are divided into:

1️⃣ **Septal causes**

DNS presenting with:

  a. **Nasal obstruction** (one or both sides)

  b. **Recurrent epistaxis** due to septal spur

  c. **Headache**

- Sinusitis
- Sluder's neuralgia
- Vacuum headache

d. **Sleep apnea / hypopnea syndrome**

> How does Septal spur cause recurrent epistaxis?

> What is Sluder's neuralgia? Which nerve is involved in Sluder's neuralgia?

> What are the features of Sluder's neuralgia?

> What is Vacuum Headache?

2️⃣ **Non-septal causes**

- **Harvesting cartilage graft** for other surgeries
- As part of **septorhinoplasty**
- **To improve endoscopic access** for other surgeries

  - Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (Endo-DCR)
  - Endoscopic sinus surgery (access to middle meatus and frontal recess)
  - Endoscopic hypophysectomy (access to pituitary fossa)
  - Vidian neurectomy

> What is Vidian Neurectomy?

---

### ❌ Contraindications of Septoplasty

- Active Infection of Nose & Paranasal Sinuses
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Cardiac problems
- Uncontrolled bleeding diathesis

⭐ These conditions should be treated and brought under control before septoplasty.

---

### ⭐ Exam Pearls

- Septoplasty → **Conservative** septal surgery
- SMR → **Radical** septal surgery
- Goldman criteria → **7 criteria**
- Every DNS is **not** an indication → Only **symptomatic** DNS
- Most common indication → **Nasal obstruction**
- Septal spur → **Recurrent epistaxis**
- Active infection → **Not an absolute contraindication**

---

## About This Note

This free ENT note on Septoplasty Part 1 - Definition, Goldman Criteria, Indications & Contraindications was written by Dr. Mausumi Das and is paired with a corresponding video lecture.

Canonical page of this note: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/septoplasty-definition-indications-contraindications

When citing or referencing this content, please credit The ENT Resident and link to the canonical page above.

## Related Notes by Category

- Rhinology: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/category/rhinology.md
- Surgery: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/category/surgery.md

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