Management of a cocaine-induced palatal perforation with a nasal septal button

Abstract

A cocaine-induced midline destructive lesion (CIMDL) is a rare consequence of cocaine insufflation that involves the nose, sinuses, and occasionally the palate. Palatal perforations compromise swallowing, mastication, and speech. An obturator prosthesis can be used to overcome these complications. In selected cases, a nasal septal button is a good alternative for the sealing of a palatal perforation, especially when surgery is not indicated, such as in cases of persistent cocaine abuse. Abstinence from cocaine is the most effective long-term management option for patients with a CIMDL, and surgical correction of the defect should be postponed until the patient stops sniffing cocaine and the lesion becomes stable. We describe the case of a 39-year-old cocaine abuser whose oronasal communication was plugged with a nasal septal button, which resulted in an immediate alleviation of his oronasal reflux.