Abstract
IntroductionSeptal perforation is a condition characterized by loss of cartilage and/or bony structures along with the mucoperichondrium and mucoperiosteum lining them. The etiology includes a history of nasal surgery or trauma, nose picking, bilateral septal cauterization, overuse of nasal sprays, cocaine abuse, vasculitis, and malignancies. ObjectiveComparison of quality of life in patients with septal perforation after conservative or surgical treatment, and a new approach for the determination of the diameter of the perforation from a different point of view. MethodsThe diameter of septal perforation, total vertical diameter of septum, and horizontal diameter of the perforation were measured in a total of 34 patients. Nineteen of the patients underwent surgical septal perforation repair, and 15 of them received septal button application. The patients were asked to complete the Glasgow Benefit Inventory quality of life questionnaire. ResultsThe septal perforation successfully healed in 18 of 19 patients who underwent surgical treatment. The quality of life scores were statistically significantly higher in the surgical treatment group when compared to the button group (p<0.05). ConclusionThe septal perforation classification we propose would be beneficial for providing realistic dimensions, treatment methods, and surgical techniques.
Highlights
Septal perforation is a condition characterized by loss of cartilage and/or bony structures along with their mucoperichondrium and mucoperiosteum
Even though no mucosal damage had been done, the diameter of the perforation increased in patients undergoing septal perforation repair
The septal perforation was repaired with flaps based at both superior and inferior parts in six patients by elevating the mucosa under the upper lateral cartilage
Summary
Septal perforation is a condition characterized by loss of cartilage and/or bony structures along with their mucoperichondrium and mucoperiosteum. The etiology includes history of nasal surgery or trauma, nose picking, bilateral septal cauterization, overuse of nasal sprays, cocaine abuse, vasculitis, and malignancies.[1,2] It is characterized by symptoms such as epistaxis, nasal clogging, nasal drainage, crusting, and wheezing.[3]. While septal perforation can be treated symptomatically with moisturizing creams and nasal irrigation, it can be repaired with many surgical techniques described in the literature. It is possible to use prostheses such as septal buttons in patients who refuse surgical treatment or who are in an inappropriate general medical condition for surgery. The physician must consider the effects of symptoms in the patient’s life while planning treatment. There are authors who suggest that operating on asymptomatic cases is unnecessary.[4]
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