Upper lateral cartilage inner mucoperichondrial flap technique for the repair of nasal septal perforation

Treatment of nasal septal perforations which decrease quality of life is a surgical challenge with variable success rates. Numerous surgical methods have been proposed for closure of perforations. The technique described in this article, i.e. closure of the perforation with an upper lateral cartilage mucoperichondrial flap through an external septorhinoplasty approach, is an alternative surgical technique. Twenty-four patients with symptomatic nasal septal perforation were operated on using this technique and followed up for a mean duration of 28 months. Preoperative and postoperative symptom scores for crusting, nasal obstruction, bleeding, discharge, whistling, headache, nasal pain, snoring and olfactory loss as well as overall discomfort levels were compared using a visual analogue scale. Complete closure of the perforation was achieved in 19 patients. (C) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.