Nasal septal perforation repair using oral mucosal flaps.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for the closure of nasal septal perforations is challenging. Numerous techniques have been described.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether nasal septal perforations heal less consistently if a connective tissue scaffold is not placed between the repaired septal flaps.

METHODS: We performed closure of a septal perforation via a closed approach using oral mucosal flaps without the interposition of a connective tissue graft in seven patients.

RESULTS: Complete perforation closure was achieved in 5 cases (71.4%). There was no significant donor site morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS: These initial results suggest that this is an effective technique for closing nasal septal perforations; it obviates the morbidity of the open approach and the added operating time and morbidity associated with the harvesting of a connective tissue graft.