Nasal septum perforation repair using differently designed, bilateral intranasal flaps, with nonopposing suture lines.

In this article, we briefly review the aetiology and symptoms of nasal septal perforations, and focus on a surgical reconstruction technique of which the results were retrospectively studied. The technique described, involves the interposition of a connective tissue graft between differently designed local mucoperichondrial and/or mucoperiosteal flaps on each side of the perforation, thereby preventing opposing suture lines. On one side a rotation/advancement flap is derived from the septum, the nasal floor and lateral nasal wall while in the opposite nasal passage, bipedicled flaps from the septum and nasal floor and/or from the superior septum and under-surface of the upper lateral cartilage are created. Of the 43 patients included in this study, 40 had their perforation permanently closed, while three experienced a non-symptomatic recurrence. We conclude that the use of differently designed, mucoperichondrial or mucoperiosteal bilateral intranasal flaps with non-opposing suture lines, and interposition of Alloderm or autogenous connective tissue with cartilage, especially with adequate exposure through an external approach, can lead to excellent results in the majority of cases.     

Large nasal septal perforation repair by closed endoscopically assisted approach

Options for the surgical closure of large symptomatic perforations are limited and consist of an open or closed approach using skin or mucosal flaps, with or without different grafts. The aim of this study is to review our experience in treating large nasal perforations using a closed approach with endoscopic assistance, undertaking a 3-layer reconstruction of the septum. We reviewed 14 consecutive patients with large (2-4 cm) nasal septal perforations, who were treated using an endonasal/endoscope-assisted approach. In these cases, the mucosal defect was reconstructed through a horizontal advancement of the bipedicled mucoperichondrial flaps and sutured using absorbable sutures. The cartilagineous defect was consistently reconstructed using autogenous auricular conchal grafts. Pre- and postoperative nasal symptom scores were used for the study; a decline in the number of Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale symptoms were recorded in 12 of 14 patients (85.7%), and visual analogue scale scores for crusting, bleeding, nasal discharge, whistling, headache, nasal pain, snoring, olfactory loss, and overall discomfort levels also decreased. It was concluded that bipedicled mucoperichondrial flaps with the insertion of auricular cartilage for a 3-layer septal reconstruction seem to give reasonably good results. The use of nasal endoscopy is an endonasal approach, which offers superior precision in all surgical steps and provides a way to obtain excellent closure of the perforation without external incisions.     

Combining rhinoplasty with septal perforation repair

A combined septal perforation repair and rhinoplasty was performed in 80 patients presenting with septal perforations (size 1 to 5 cm) and external nasal deformities. The external rhinoplasty approach was used for all cases and the perforation was repaired using bilateral intranasal mucosal advancement flaps with a connective tissue interposition graft in between. Complete closure of the perforation was achieved in 90% of perforations of size up to 3.5 cm and in only 70% of perforations that were larger than 3.5 cm. Cosmetically, 95% were very satisfied with their aesthetic result. The external rhinoplasty approach proved to be very helpful in the process of septal perforation repair especially in large and posteriorly located perforations and in cases where the caudal septal cartilage was previously resected. Our results show that septal perforation repair can be safely combined with rhinoplasty and that some of the routine rhinoplasty maneuvers, such as medial osteotomies and dorsal lowering, could even facilitate the process of septal perforation repair.     

Long-term results of dermal grafting for the repair of nasal septal perforations.

The closure of nasal septal perforations is a significant surgical challenge with a high failure rate. Dermis placed between mucoperichondrial advancement flaps may be an alternative. The usefulness of dermal grafting for the repair of nasal septal perforations was initially investigated in an animal model. Four pigs had 1.5 x 2.5 cm perforations surgically created and closed with either temporalis fascia or dermis placed under a local mucoperichondrial flap. The dermal graft group had an average closure of 80% with histologically normal mucosal surfaces. The temporalis fascia group had no closure. Fourteen patients with chronic nasal septal perforations from iatrogenic causes, trauma, and drug abuse were repaired with dermal grafting. Nine patients had complete closure, 3 patients had partial closures, and 1 patient's graft dislodged on the first postoperative day. Dermal grafts placed between mucoperichondrial flaps are a viable alternative for the closure of nasal septal perforations.     

Management of the large septal perforations with the support of porous high-density polyethylene (MEDPOR)

Septal perforation is an avoidable complication of septal surgery, but it can also occur because of a variety of traumatic, iatrogenic, caustic, or inflammatory reasons. Symptoms usually are related to the disruption of the normally laminar flow of air through the nasal passages. Crusting, bleeding, parosmia, and neuralgia can develop, leading the patient to seek medical care. When local hygiene and conservative care are unsuccessful in relieving symptoms, closure of the perforation is considered. Repair is often difficult because of the limited exposure and limited amounts of friable mucosa with impaired vascular supply. The failure of attempted closure of septal perforations can be as high as 80%. The authors have developed a graduated approach to the closure of septal perforations with porous high-density polyethylene (Medpor, Porex Surgical, Newnan, GA, USA) that tailors the surgical approach to the size and location of the defect. Perforations 0.5 to 2.0 cm in size were closed in 92.9% (13 of 14) of the patients using an extended external rhinoplasty approach and bilateral posteriorly based mucosal flaps. Larger perforations (2.0 to 4.5 cm) were closed in 81.8% (18 of 22) of the patients by a two-staged technique with porous high-density polyethylene (Medpor, Porex Surgical) again, using a mid-facial degloving approach to medially advance posteriorly based, expanded mucosal flaps. With careful preoperative management and selection of the appropriate surgical technique, even moderate-to-large perforations can be repaired reliably with limited operative morbidity. This article has been accepted and presented as a poster in the National Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Congress (head and neck surgery), Istanbul, Turkey.     

Technical advances in the correction of septal perforation associated with closed rhinoplasty

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate technical advances for closing septal perforations that allow the perforation repair to be performed with primary or revisional closed rhinoplasty during the same operation. METHODS: We used this technique with closed rhinoseptoplasty in 258 cases of perforations in which the perforation ranged from 1.0 to 3.5 cm in diameter. We repaired the perforation using bilateral intranasal submucoperichondrial and submucoperiosteal advancement flaps with a sandwich graft interposition between. We prepared the sandwich graft using the auricular or septal cartilage and 2 layers of deep temporoparietal fascia. RESULTS: In every case, the septal perforation was corrected along with the closed rhinoseptoplasty and, because this is a conservative approach, the vascularization of the columella and anterior septum was preserved, with an excellent view of all the structures involved. CONCLUSIONS: Perforation repair represents a challenge to most surgeons owing to the low rates of successful correction with some techniques. Some of these techniques not only fail to rectify nasal aesthetics and the perforation during the same surgery but also cause undesired aesthetic alterations due to the retraction and rotation of tissues to close the perforation. We have performed this repair since 1989, allowing for closure of the perforation in 257 of 258 patients.     

Nasal septal perforations must and can be closed

In this time of increasing occurrence of septal perforations caused by cocaine abuse, the plastic surgeon who deals mainly in rhinoplasty must learn to treat these defects with sophisticated methods. Too many septal perforations, especially large ones, are not treated because the surgical techniques are difficult. This article describes and illustrates two methods that close all kinds of perforations. Local flaps should be considered obsolete. A perforation up to 4 cm in diameter must be repaired in one step. This includes wide dissection of the mucoperichondrium and mucoperiosteum, suture of the hole on both sides, and interposition of parietal fascia or cartilage, sometimes with the help of bilateral small buccal flaps to cover the gap between the columella and the dissected mucoperichondrium containing the closed perforation on both sides. For closure of perforations greater than 4 cm in diameter, a three-step procedure which uses a composite three-layered buccal flap including ear concha cartilage is described. In the second step, the spoon-shaped flap is fed into the nasal cavity to fill the septal defect. The third step divides the pedicle. In many cases a unilateral or bilateral alotomy or the section of the columellar base may facilitate the suture of the flaps.     

Usefulness of bovine pericardium as interpositional graft in the surgical repair of nasal septal perforations (experimental study).

A 2.5-cm nasal septal perforation was performed in 18 pigs and repaired as follows: group I (n = 6), septal perforation without treatment; group II (n = 6), surgical repair with interpositional graft of glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium (GPBP); group III (n = 6), surgical repair with interpositional graft of lyophilized GPBP (LGPBP). The animals were evaluated clinically and radiologically (x-ray and CT scan) 2 days before surgery, daily during the first postoperative week, and weekly during the next 6 months. At the end of the study the animals were euthanized with an overdose of pentobarbital. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of the grafts and nasal septum was performed. All the animals survived the surgical procedure. Five pigs in group I showed persistence of the septal perforation. All the animals in groups II and III showed total closure of the septal perforation, with the presence of fibrotic tissue on the pericardial grafts as well as in the septal cartilage, and overall good healing. In conclusion, GPBP and LGPBP are adequate materials that can be used as interpositional grafts in the surgical closure of septal perforations in pigs     

Repair of large nasal septal perforations using facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap

BACKGROUND: Nasal septum perforations from surgical submucous resection, septoplasty, blunt trauma, and substance abuse may cause epistaxis, nasal obstruction, discharge, crusting, dryness, pain, and whistling. While small symptomatic perforations are closed with local mucosal flaps, options for closure of large symptomatic perforations are limited. A local pedicled flap, the facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap was studied in patients with large symptomatic nasal septal defects. METHODS: Patients included in the study had (1) a nasal septal defect measuring at least 20 mm in greatest dimension; and (2) related symptoms of nasal crusting, discharge, dryness, obstruction, epistaxis, pain, or whistling. Six patients (3 males; 3 females) met these criteria and received FAMM flap repair. Outcomes were assessed based on comparison of preoperative versus last follow-up (range, 10-30 months; mean 17 months) assessment of perforation size and symptomatology. Overall discomfort was rated at each time point on a 1-10 scale. RESULTS: Age at time of operation ranged from 21 to 44 years, with a mean of 34 years of age. Causes of septal perforation included blunt trauma (50%), cocaine abuse (33%), and submucous resection (17%). Preoperatively, maximal recorded dimensions of septal perforations ranged from 3.1 to 4.0 cm with a mean of 3.5 +/- 0.4 cm. Symptoms included pain (83%), dryness (67%), crusting (50%), discharge (33%), epistaxis (33%), and obstruction (33%). Three or more symptoms were experienced by 5 patients (83%). Overall discomfort ranged from 6-10, with a mean of 8.4. Postoperatively at last follow-up, all 6 patients (100%) achieved closure of their septal defect (P < 0.001). Overall discomfort score was zero for all 6 patients (100%) (P < 0.0001). Complete symptomatic resolution was also noted among all 6 patients (100%) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the advantages of the FAMM flap closure technique were (1) no visible external scar, with minimal donor site morbidity; (2) successful closure of large septal defects (>2 cm) with vascularized tissue in a single stage; and (3) resolution of patient symptomatology.     

Repair of nasal septal perforations with tragal cartilage and perichondrium grafts

Indications for repair of nasal septum perforations include excessive crusting, recurrent bleeding, whistling, and pain. Large subtotal perforations usually are less symptomatic, but smaller defects (less than 1 cm) may need repair. Tragal cartilage with perichondrium autograft was used to repair these perforations. After the septal defect was debrided, this free graft was harvested and used to fill the defect. This technique was attempted in ten patients with septal perforations, none secondary to systemic illnesses. Nine of these patients had successful closure of their perforations.     

Closure of nasal septal perforation via endonasal approach

OBJECTIVE: We report our experience in nasal septum perforation surgery using the endonasal approach. The role of rhinomanometry and nasal endoscopy in the management of septal perforation repair is also discussed. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We reviewed a sample of 30 patients with septal perforation. Patients underwent preoperative and postoperative nasal endoscopy and rhinomanometry. They were all treated using the Cottle technique with the backward extraction-reposition of nasal septum and inverted sliding flap suture technique. RESULTS: Closure rate for small-sized and middle-sized perforations was 94% and 75%, respectively. It was 86.6% if calculated for all patients. Preoperative nasal resistances was normal in patients with isolated septum perforation, and high in patients with associated septum deformity or hypertrophic turbinates. CONCLUSION: The Cottle technique is a viable procedure for the closure of small- and middle-sized perforations. Endoscopy and rhinomanometry help provide a correct and complete understanding of this nasal alteration.     

Surgical technique for reconstruction of the nasal septum: the pericranial flap

BACKGROUND: We describe a new technique for the surgical reconstruction of large-sized anterior septal perforations based on the pericranial flap. METHODS: The technique requires a standard open rhinoplasty combined with a pericranial flap harvested after a bicoronal approach and tunnelled to the nasal cavity. We present the case of a man with complete destruction of the nasal septum as a result of chronic cocaine abuse. RESULTS: Surgery resulted in a permanent and complete closure of the perforation. CONCLUSIONS: The main advantage of this technique is the use of well-vascularized autogenous tissue and the minimal donor site morbidity. This technique provides a new method to close large nasal perforations.     

Three-layer repair of nasoseptal defects.

PURPOSE: This article demonstrates technique and results of a 3-layer repair of nasoseptal defects using bilateral bipedicled advancement flaps and an autogenous cartilage graft. METHOD: After an extensive bilateral elevation of the mucosa from the entire septum, the nasal dome and the nasal floor bipedicled advancement flaps are created. The mucosal defects are sutured and an autogenous cartilage graft is interposed between the sutured mucosal flaps. RESULTS: Until now this technique has been applied in 403 patients. The success rate (complete closure) was 92.5%. Thirty-four patients redeveloped defects; 28 were <5 mm and did not cause complaints. CONCLUSION: Results show that the described technique is a most reliable method with the following advantages: 1 stage procedure, no visible scars, high success rate, and low complication rate. In case of an incomplete closure, the redeveloped defect will generally be considerably smaller than the original one and asymptomatic.     

Nasal septal perforation repair with porcine small intestinal submucosa

Repair of nasal septal perforations presents a difficult challenge to the otolaryngologist. Successful closure rates of greater than 90% have been published by several authors using bipedicled mucoperichondrial advancement flaps and interpositional grafts. A number of different materials, both autografts and allografts, have been used as interpositional grafts. We report a 100% closure rate (10 of 10) using an open rhinoplasty technique with bipedicled advancement flaps and porcine small intestinal submucosa (SurgiSIS; Cook Biotech Inc, West Lafayette, Ind) as an interpositional graft. We submit that SurgiSIS is an ideal material for use in the repair of nasal septal perforations because it is easy to work with, demonstrates the ability to support the regeneration of adjacent tissue, and avoids the increased operative time and morbidity associated with harvesting autografts.     

Saddle nose deformity reconstruction with a split calvarial bone L-shaped strut

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for creation of a split calvarial bone L-shaped strut that provides dorsal support while increasing tip projection in patients with substantial septal saddle nose deformities from various underlying inflammatory conditions and surgical resection. METHODS: Case series and review of the literature. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent nasal reconstruction at our institution using the split calvarial bone L-shaped strut technique with postoperative follow-up to 36 months (range, 9-36 months). The causes of septal perforation leading to saddle nose deformity included cocaine use, infection, sarcoidosis, malignant lesion, iatrogenic causes, and Wegener granulomatosis. All cases resulted in an augmented, straightened nasal dorsum and increased tip projection. Results were maintained throughout follow-up with no evidence of graft infection, resorption, or migration. CONCLUSIONS: The split calvarial bone L-shaped strut provides dual benefits of dorsal support and increased tip projection. Numerous techniques have been discussed for dorsal augmentation with varied success; however, the long-term maintenance of this graft in patients with severely compromised vascularity owing to underlying inflammatory conditions such as Wegener granulomatosis highlights its presumed advantages. The procedure can be performed using the external rhinoplasty approach, obviating the need for radix incisions for plating or intranasal mucosal incisions. These advantages make the L-shaped strut technique excellent for nasal reconstruction in patients with substantial septal saddle nose deformities regardless of cause and duration of defect.     

Difficult wounds: an update

The purpose of this collective review is to describe revolutionary advances in the treatment of Gardner's syndrome (GS), pseudofolliculitis barbae, nasal septal perforation, factitious wounds, and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Gardner's syndrome or familial polyposis has various manifestations that appear to be controlled by a single genetic locus. Apart from the large bowel adenomas, which are always present, a common extracolonic symptom of Gardner's syndrome is the occurrence of epidermal cysts. These cysts can be seen before the intestinal polyps are evident. Because epidermal cysts in patients with Gardner's syndrome are always benign, we excise these cysts using incisions that are commonly used for rhytidectomy. Pseudofolliculitis barbae, a pseudofolliculitis caused by ingrown hairs, effects 85% of blacks who shave their beards. When this disease is allowed to progress to keloid formation, we use a surgical approach that includes excision of the keloidal scar, meticulous debridement of all residual ingrown hairs in the underlying wound, and coverage of the defect with a split-thickness skin graft. More recently, laser therapy has revolutionized the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae and has enabled a cure for the first time for those plagued with this disorder and for whom a beardless face is acceptable. Nasal septal perforation is a well recognized complication of septal surgery. Other iatrogenic causes of perforation include cryosurgery, electrocoagulation for epitaxis, nasotracheal intubation, or nose packing. In recent years drugs such as cocaine account for an increasing number of perforations. It has only been with the use of an external approach for the repair of the nasal septal defect that surgical closure has become easier and more reliable. The external approach allows for greater surgical closure and enables the surgeon to use both hands with the aid of binocular vision to mobilize and suture local mucosal advancement flaps and the intraseptal connective tissue grafts. More recently, surgeons have repaired large septal perforations with a radial forearm free flap. Because of its availability and deep emotional significance, the skin is a common site for self-destructive behavior with the development of factitious skin wounds. When suspected, psychiatric care must proceed immediately. Second, the ulcer can then be healed by appropriate techniques and wound repair. It is important to emphasize that the treating physician must first confront the patient, and then a psychiatrist should provide appropriate psychotherapy. Hidradenitis suppurativa is an inflammatory disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that occurs in apocrine-gland-bearing areas distributed in the axilla, mammary nipple areola, mons pubis, groin, scrotum, perineum, perianal region, and umbilicus. The condition has an insidious onset. The susceptibility of women's axillary skin to hidradenitis suppurativa may be related, in part, to the practice of axillary removal of hair with a safety razor. Consequently, the use of safety razors must be avoided and replaced with the use of an electric razor. The method of treatment will vary with the stage of the disease. Treatment of the chronic stage of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa is primarily surgical. More recently, carbon dioxide laser treatment, with healing by secondary intention, is proving to be a rapid, efficient, and economic treatment of this difficult wound.     

The management of nasoseptal perforation.

The most recent comprehensive review of the literature on repair of nasoseptal perforations dates back to 1985, since then there have been developments in the repair of very large perforations, previously thought to have been untreatable by surgical methods. The purpose of this article is to review the various methods which have been used to repair perforations, and their reported efficacies, with particular reference to the problem of large perforations. The article reviews the methods in use for providing mucosal cover for perforations; the options for a supporting layer; and the more recent solutions to mending perforations greater than 4 cm diameter. In conclusion, nasoseptal perforations of up to 4 cm diameter have been reported to be closed reliably with bilateral mucoperichondrial flaps and a connective tissue autograft. However, for larger perforations the only methods successfully used have been a three stage, composite graft and intranasal tissue expanders.     

Closure of a large nasal septal perforation with a lined nasolabial flap

Summary The authors present a technique of a lined nasolabial flap for closure of a large nasal septal perforation. This is illustrated with a case report. The etiology and symptoms of septum perforations are reviewed and the most common surgical techniques for closure are discussed.     

鼻内镜下三层移植物鼻中隔穿孔修补术

目的探讨鼻内镜下应用三层移植物修补鼻中隔穿孔的疗效。方法2002年6月～2007年6月对15例鼻中隔穿孔应用阔筋膜包裹自体或异体的鼻中隔软骨板或筛骨垂直板形成的三层移植物修补,穿孔时间6月～5年,平均1.8年;穿孔直径0.8～1.6cm,平均1.2cm。在鼻内镜下刮除鼻中隔穿孔边缘黏膜上皮,造成新鲜创缘,用鼻中隔黏膜下矫正术的方法分离鼻中隔穿孔周围的黏软骨膜及骨膜,取合适大小的大腿阔筋膜,包绕自体或异体的鼻中隔软骨板或筛骨垂直板形成的三层移植物封闭穿孔,两侧鼻腔填塞膨胀海绵,注射碱性成纤维细胞生长因子让其膨胀,使穿孔缘黏膜与移植物完全贴合。结果术后6～10周鼻腔黏膜上皮完全覆盖移植物,鼻中隔穿孔愈合。15例随访6～12个月,平均8.2月,未发生再穿孔。结论鼻内镜下应用三层移植物修补鼻中隔穿孔是治疗中等程度以上鼻中隔穿孔的有效方法。