A Medical Journalist’s Perspective on Septoplasty Surgery in Mumbai
- Pooja Vishwakarma
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
As a medical journalist, I’ve learned that some of the most impactful stories in healthcare unfold quietly—inside hospital corridors, consultation rooms, and operating theatres where precision matters more than publicity. During my recent visit to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Shama S Kovale, a senior ENT surgeon widely associated with Septoplasty Surgery in Mumbai. What followed was an in-depth conversation about nasal health, surgical decision-making, and patient-centered ENT care.
The Hospital Setting: Structured, Advanced, and Clinical
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in Andheri West is one of Mumbai’s well-known tertiary care centers. From the moment I entered the ENT department, the emphasis on structured workflows and multidisciplinary coordination was evident. Diagnostic facilities—including nasal endoscopy, imaging support, and pre-anesthesia evaluation—are seamlessly integrated within the hospital system.
The ENT outpatient area is designed for detailed evaluations, while the surgical units reflect strict adherence to safety protocols. For procedures such as septoplasty, where anatomical accuracy is crucial, this environment plays a significant role in outcomes. Dr. Kovale works within this ecosystem, supported by anesthetists, nursing teams, and post-operative care units that allow for both day-care and inpatient management when required.
Dr. Shama S Kovale: Qualifications and Clinical Experience
Dr. Shama S Kovale is a formally trained ENT surgeon with postgraduate qualifications in Otorhinolaryngology. Her clinical training spans both medical and surgical management of ear, nose, and throat disorders, with a focused interest in nasal obstruction, sinus disease, and septal deformities.
With years of hands-on surgical experience, Dr. Kovale has performed numerous septoplasty procedures, addressing both functional breathing issues and structural nasal deviations. Her work reflects the approach of an experienced ENT Specialist in Mumbai, where careful diagnosis precedes any recommendation for surgery.
During our discussion, she emphasized that septoplasty is not a cosmetic operation by default but a functional surgery aimed at improving airflow and nasal physiology. This distinction is critical, particularly in urban settings where patients may confuse septoplasty with aesthetic rhinoplasty.
Understanding Septoplasty: What the Surgery Involves
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated nasal septum—a condition where the cartilage and bone dividing the nasal cavity are misaligned. According to Dr. Kovale, not all septal deviations require surgery. Many are incidental findings that cause no symptoms.
However, when deviation leads to chronic nasal blockage, recurrent sinus infections, headaches, nosebleeds, or sleep-related breathing disturbances, septoplasty becomes a medically indicated option. At Kokilaben Hospital, the procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia using endoscopic techniques, minimizing tissue trauma and improving surgical accuracy.
In the context of Septoplasty Surgery in Mumbai, access to advanced imaging and endoscopic tools allows surgeons like Dr. Kovale to tailor the procedure to each patient’s anatomy.
Benefits of Septoplasty Surgery
From a clinical standpoint, septoplasty offers several well-documented benefits:
Improved Nasal Breathing: Correcting septal deviation can significantly enhance airflow through the nasal passages.
Reduced Sinus Infections: Better drainage lowers the frequency of sinusitis episodes.
Improved Sleep Quality: Patients with nasal obstruction often report better sleep after surgery.
Enhanced Effectiveness of Medications: Nasal sprays and treatments work more efficiently once airflow is normalized.
Dr. Kovale noted that patient selection is crucial. When symptoms clearly correlate with septal deviation, outcomes tend to be more predictable and satisfying.
Risks and Limitations: A Balanced Discussion
No surgical procedure is without risk, and septoplasty is no exception. During our interview, Dr. Kovale outlined potential complications in a straightforward manner:
Bleeding or Infection: Though uncommon, these are recognized surgical risks.
Persistent Symptoms: In some cases, nasal blockage may persist due to other contributing factors such as turbinate hypertrophy or allergies.
Septal Perforation: A rare complication involving a hole in the septum.
Temporary Nasal Discomfort: Swelling and congestion are expected during the healing phase.
She stressed that thorough preoperative evaluation—including endoscopy and imaging—helps minimize these risks and ensures realistic expectations.
Approximate Cost Range in Mumbai
The cost of septoplasty in Mumbai varies depending on hospital infrastructure, surgeon experience, anesthesia requirements, and whether additional procedures (such as turbinate reduction or sinus surgery) are performed simultaneously.
In general terms, septoplasty at a tertiary care hospital like Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital falls within a moderate to higher cost range compared to smaller centers. Dr. Kovale explained that transparent discussions about expenses are typically part of pre-surgical counseling, especially for patients using insurance or cashless facilities.
Precautions and Aftercare: Insights from the Interview
A significant part of septoplasty success lies in post-operative care. Dr. Kovale shared several precautions she routinely advises patients:
Pre-Surgery Precautions
Disclose all medications and medical conditions
Avoid smoking, as it can impair healing
Follow fasting and pre-anesthesia instructions strictly
Post-Surgery Aftercare
Use prescribed saline sprays to keep nasal passages moist
Avoid nose blowing or heavy lifting for a few weeks
Attend scheduled follow-ups for cleaning and assessment
Expect gradual improvement rather than immediate relief
She emphasized that patience during recovery is essential, as internal healing continues even after visible swelling subsides.
Closing Reflections from the ENT Clinic
My interaction with Dr. Shama S Kovale highlighted how septoplasty, when performed for the right reasons, can significantly improve quality of life. Within the structured clinical environment of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, her approach reflects the careful balance expected of the Best ENT Specialist in Mumbai—combining surgical precision with patient education.
For readers considering septoplasty, the key takeaway is simple: informed decisions, guided by experienced ENT care, matter more than quick fixes.
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