Closure of nasal septal perforations using bilateral intranasal advancement/rotation flaps.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to report our experience on surgical repair of nasal septal perforations (NSP) using bilateral intranasal advancement/rotation flaps with open septoplasty technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 28 consecutive patients who were operated for NSP in our clinic between January 2009 and February 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic features of the patients and surgical results were evaluated.

RESULTS: The most common cause of NSP was previous septal surgery in 18 (64%) of the patients. Nasal crusting was the most common symptom in 21 patients (75%). Perforation size ranged from 10 to 30 mm in diameter. Septoplasty was performed in five patients, while septorhinoplasty was performed in three patients simultaneously to the NSP repair. Nasal septal cartilage and auricular chonchal cartilage were used to support the nasoseptal skeleton, if required. There were no major intra- or postoperative complications. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 23 months. During follow-up, there was mild columellar retraction in five patients (18%). Nasal septal perforation was closed successfully in 24 patients (86%). Pinpoint perforation remained in two patients and perforation size was smaller than 5 mm in two patients.

CONCLUSION: Closing the NSP with bilateral intranasal advancement/rotation flaps has a comparable high success rate. Therefore, this technique can be easily applied to small-medium sized septal perforations.