Nasal Septal Perforation: Experience of Management

Introduction Nasal septal perforation is the loss of composite tissue comprising the mucosa, bone or cartilage structures that form the nasal septum. Nasal septum perforation has many causes. Though it may be idiopathic, the most common causes are iatrogenic like nasal surgeries. Among other reasons are septal hematoma, nasal picking habit, nasal cauterization due to nosebleeds, nasotracheal intubation, cocaine use, vasculitis, inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, This study aims to review the approach to management of patients with nasal septal perforation who underwent repair of the perforation in a tertiary clinic, in the light of current literature. Materials and Methods In this study, the records of 27 patients who were diagnosed with nasal septal perforation and treated surgically in a tertiary clinic, between January 2015 and June 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Results The successful closure rate of perforations was 74%. In 4 of 7 patients whose perforations were not completely closed, the perforation size was larger than 2 cm in diameter. Conclusion Successful repair of nasal septal perforation depends largely on the cause, location, size of the perforation, cartilage bone tissue on the perforation edges, surgical technique and the surgeon's experience.