Septorhinoplastic procedures versus submucous resection of the septum, using septum perforation as an indicator

Comparison of the results following submucous resection (SMR) and septoplastic surgery has shown that significantly more perforations of the nasal septum develop after the latter than the former procedure. However, submucosal resection of the septum is a rapid, but traumatic surgical method, which has its merits in duration and tradition. It has been described in textbooks from edition to edition in an unchanged form. The main drawbacks are that SMR leads to mucosal atrophy, a high rate of septum perforation, and conchal hypertrophy. Septorhinoplastic procedures are more time-consuming and require considerable study, training and knowledge of various surgical approaches. However, the advantages of these procedures in the long-term are in the light of the above mentioned drawbacks, evident.