The use of bioresorbable staples for mucoperichondrial flap coaptation in septoplasty

Abstract

The purposeof coaptation is to reduce the dead space between the flapsand facilitate healing. If dead space persists, a septal hema-toma may form that can lead to complications such asabscess formation and separation of the blood supply fromthe cartilage. Occasionally, this can result in a septal per-foration and/or a “saddle-nose” deformity.Before the 1980s, mucoperichondrial flap coaptation wasaccomplished with nasal packing. In addition to being quiteuncomfortable and dreaded by most patients, nasal packing,although effective, was occasionally associated with com-plications such as infection or toxic shock syndrome. In the1980s, it became common to avoid nasal packing afterseptoplasty by performing a quilting suture technique toprovide flap coaptation. Although suturing reduces seriouscomplications such as toxic shock syndrome, it has createdits own set of complications and challenges.