[Experience with individual obturators to treat nasal septum perforation]

Individual septal buttons have gained more attention during the last years. However, experiences in patients being treated by an individual septal button are limited. Therefore, further evaluation of this treatment option is needed.

Records of 64 patients being treated by an individual septal button were evaluated retrospectively. As the silicon prints of the septum perforation were available size of the septal perforation were measured. Telephone interview were used to ask the patients about their general judgement and eff ect of the septal button on their different complaints.

Septumplasty in 42 patients and a trauma in 10 patients had been documented prior to treatment. In 7 patients Wegner's granulomatosis had been proven by serological and histopathological analysis. Digital manipulation and nasal drop abuses were judged to be the reason of the septal perforation in 2 patients each. In one patient the etiology remained unknown. Size of the septal perforation ranged from 7.4 to 807 mm(2). Using visual analog scale 42 patients reported to be highly satisfied. A statistically significant improvement was reported for all symptoms. Respiratory noise and nasal obstruction were improved best followed by nasal bleeding, pain and crust formation.

Treatment of septal perforations with individual septal buttons should be considered in treating septal perforations. Nasal obstruction and nasal bleeding were found to be improved best by this treatment option.