Septal mucoperichondrial flap for closure of nostril in atrophic rhinitis

The aetiology of primary atrophic rhinitis is still unknown. Treatment of this disease is conservative in the first place. Surgery is indicated if the medical treatment fails. The aim of surgery is either to narrow the nasal cavity or in special cases to close the nostril. Closure of the nostril (Young's operation), is achieved by raising a circular skin flap. Raising the skin flap is difficult, the suture line may break down and an excessive scar tissue may form resulting in vestibular stenosis. We therefore developed a septal mucoperichondrial flap to close the nostril. This new and easy technique has been used to treat 17 patients with excellent results. The description of this technique and the results of surgery will be discussed.