Nasal septal perforations: our surgical technique

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Rhinology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Nasal septal perforations can significantly impact quality of life.
• Previous surgical techniques often involve grafts and external incisions, leading to donor site morbidity.
• Endoscopic approaches offer potential for improved precision and reduced invasiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel endoscope-assisted surgical technique for treating nasal septal perforations.
• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of this technique in a patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 31 patients with nasal septal perforations underwent treatment.
• The technique involved bilateral dissection of monopedicled mucosal flaps from the nasal fossa floor.
• Flaps were sutured to close the perforation without interposing any graft, utilizing an endonasal approach.

Main Results:

• The technique demonstrated a high success rate, with 96.3% of perforations smaller than 3 cm being persistently closed.
• Follow-up was conducted for at least one year post-surgery.
• The endonasal approach avoided external incisions and donor site morbidity.

Conclusions:

• The described endoscope-assisted technique is effective for closing nasal septal perforations, particularly those smaller than 3 cm.
• Advantages include an endonasal approach, no external incisions, and avoidance of graft-related morbidity.
• Nasal endoscopy enhances surgical precision, contributing to the technique's high success rate.