The rhythmic hum of the outpatient clinic at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute sets the tone for a place where medical precision meets compassion. It was here that I met Dr. Shama Kovale, one of Mumbai’s most respected ENT specialists, known for her expertise in Septoplasty surgery in Mumbai.
With more than two decades of experience in treating nasal and sinus conditions, Dr. Kovale has become a trusted name in ENT and head-neck surgery. During our conversation, I discovered not only the science behind septoplasty but also the human stories of patients who found relief from chronic nasal obstruction and sinus discomfort through this corrective procedure.
Dr. Shama Kovale completed her MBBS and MS (ENT) from one of India’s leading medical universities and received specialized training in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and Septorhinoplasty. Over the past 20 years, she has managed complex ENT cases involving deviated septum, nasal blockages, sinusitis, and voice disorders.
At her department in Kokilaben Hospital, she works with advanced diagnostic tools like nasal endoscopy, CT-based sinus mapping, and 3D imaging to ensure precise surgical planning. Her operating suite is equipped with high-definition endoscopic systems and microdebriders, offering minimally invasive approaches and faster recovery for patients.
“Breathing well is fundamental to overall health,” she explained during our discussion. “When a deviated septum obstructs airflow, patients experience poor sleep, recurrent infections, and reduced energy. Septoplasty is a functional surgery that helps restore natural breathing, not just nasal structure.”
Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure designed to straighten or reposition the deviated nasal septum—the thin wall dividing the two nostrils. When this septum is off-center, it can cause nasal congestion, sinus pressure, snoring, and difficulty in breathing.
Dr. Kovale outlined the procedure simply:
“Under local or general anesthesia, we realign or remove the deviated portion of cartilage and bone. The surgery takes about an hour, and most patients can go home the same day.”
Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, septoplasty primarily focuses on functional correction, though some patients may choose to combine the two for both health and aesthetic benefits.
Dr. Mohan Kameswaran and Dr. Milind V. Kirtane are notable figures who have advanced ENT and sinus surgery techniques. Their contributions to functional nasal surgery and auditory rehabilitation are widely respected.
Dr. Andrew Goldberg and Professor Valerie Lund are leaders in the field of endoscopic nasal and sinus surgeries. Their work underscores how precision tools and refined techniques are improving patient comfort and outcomes globally.