Simultaneous Rhinoplasty and Septal Perforation Repair Using the Bone-Cartilaginous Unit.

Abstract

Various techniques are employed for septal perforation repair, but success rates still vary. Numerous mucosal flaps are used for septal perforation closure; however, a scaffold is essential for proper positioning and enhanced mucosal growth. To assess the effectiveness of using a septal bone/cartilage composite graft (BC unit) to close septal perforations in rhinoplasty patients and evaluate patient satisfaction. This case series included patients with septal perforation undergoing rhinoplasty and perforation repair from 2019 to 2023. BC units were used to cover the cartilaginous perforations in all patients. Patients were followed for a minimum of one year, assessing surgical results and postoperative satisfaction using the 10-Item Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS). In this study, 31 patients (22 female, 9 male) aged 34.80 ± 10.31 years (19-59 years) were enrolled. Nine had prior septoplasty, while four had undergone septorhinoplasty. The preoperative perforation size ranged from 6 to 27 mm (mean 14.1 mm). At final follow-up, 26 cases (83.8%) achieved complete closure, while three had incomplete closures, and two experienced reperforation. Analysis revealed a notable mean decrease of 31.93 (SD = 26.47) in obstruction domain scores (SCHNOS-O) and a mean decrease of 44.19 (SD = 25.37) in cosmesis domain scores (SCHNOS-C). Septal perforation repair and rhinoplasty can be safely and effectively performed concurrently using BC units for suitable candidates.