[Long-term results of submucous septal resection (author's transl)]

250 adults were checked-up 1 to 19 years following submucous septal resection, most of them after 4 to 6 years. In two thirds of these cases the nasal obstruction was abolished, and in 60 to 80 per cent sequelae of nasal blockage (otitis, non-specific rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis) were reduced or healed. The positive influence of the resection on allergic rhinitis and headache was less (20 to 40%). 33 per cent of the patients complained of permanent nasal obstruction instead of surgery. In 45 per cent of these cases the obstruction appeared with a postoperative delay of 6 months and more! Deviation of the anterior septal remnant is the most frequent reason for obstruction. Other negative sequelae following submucous resection are atrophy of the mucosa (45%), hyperplasia of the inferior tubinates (38%), excessive mobility of the septum (13%), perforations (9%), and saddling of the cartilaginous nasal roof (7%). A comparison of the long-term results following submucous resection and following septoplasty show the better results by septoplasty.