Repair of nasal septal perforation using inferior turbinate graft

OBJECTIVE: Nasal septal perforation can cause troublesome symptoms. Surgical repair is indicated in symptomatic patients. Many approaches and techniques have been described, each with its advantages and indications. METHOD: The study included six patients with symptomatic nasal septal perforations sized 1-2.5 cm horizontally by 0.5-1.5 vertically. Patient symptoms included nasal crusts (all patients), nasal obstruction (five), cacosmia (three) and recurrent epistaxis (three). Patients underwent endonasal endoscopic repair using an inferior turbinate free graft applied between the mucoperichondrium of both septum sides. Follow up ranged from six months to two years. RESULTS: Five patients (83 per cent) had complete perforation closure and one had partial closure. All patients were symptom-free post-operatively. CONCLUSION: This endoscopic endonasal approach, using an inferior turbinate free graft, is effective in closing small and medium-sized nasal septal perforations.