Approach to Correction of Septal Perforation

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Plastic Surgery
• Rhinology

Background:

• Iatrogenic septal perforation is a known complication of nasal surgery.
• Small or posterior perforations often present with minimal symptoms and require conservative management.
• Larger and anterior perforations can lead to significant nasal airflow disturbances and external nasal deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the management of iatrogenic septal perforations.
• To discuss factors influencing surgical candidacy for septal perforation repair.
• To highlight key strategies for minimizing perforation formation during nasal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Surgical repair of septal perforations using intranasal mucosal advancement flaps.
• Augmentation of flaps with interposition connective tissue grafts.
• Review of techniques to prevent iatrogenic septal perforations.

Main Results:

• Surgical repair is indicated for symptomatic, larger, or anterior perforations, especially when revision rhinoplasty is needed.
• The described technique involves mucosal flaps and connective tissue grafts.
• Preventative measures are crucial to minimize unintended perforation formation.

Conclusions:

• Surgical repair of iatrogenic septal perforations is technically challenging but effective for specific cases.
• Careful consideration of perforation size, location, symptoms, and need for revision rhinoplasty guides surgical candidacy.
• Minimizing iatrogenic perforation formation through surgical technique is paramount.