Simultaneous Septal Perforation Repair with Septorhinoplasty: A 31-Year Experience

Septal perforation repair and septorhinoplasty (SRP) each present unique surgical challenges. However, in many instances, these procedures may be performed together successfully. In this study, the authors aim to determine the safety and effectiveness of combining primary or revision SRP and septal perforation repair via an open approach. A retrospective review was carried out of all consecutive patients who had SRP and septal perforation repair via an open approach between 1986 and 2017 in the senior author's practice. Perforation closure in surgery and at the patient's last follow-up, resolution of presenting symptoms, cosmetic results, and complications were analyzed. Records for 141 patients who had simultaneous septal perforation repair and SRP via an open approach, with a mean follow-up of 3.24 years, were reviewed. The mean anterior-posterior perforation dimension was 1.41 ± 0.89 cm, and the mean vertical perforation dimension was 1.16 ± 0.59 cm. The most common etiologies for septal perforation were previous SRP (35.4%) and septoplasty (24.1%). An overall 93.6%, perforation closure, 91.1% symptom relief, and 91.2% patient satisfaction with cosmetic results were achieved. Septal perforations under 1.5 cm in height were closed in 96.7% of patients as opposed to 71.4% of patients with perforations 1.5 cm or taller. Minor revision rhinoplasties were performed in 7.0% of patients. Postoperative infections were rare and noted in only two (1.4%) patients. In the largest study of its kind to date, the authors have shown that in experienced hands septal perforation repair may be performed simultaneously with primary or revision SRP via an open approach without compromising the perforation repair outcome. The vertical dimension of a septal perforation and presence of mucosa above and below a perforation are important considerations for the difficulty of a perforation closure, as septal mucosa is recruited from these locations in our technique of four-quadrant intranasal bipedicled mucosal advancement flap closure.