Nasal septum perforation – new treatment methods

Perforation is a defect of nasal septum manifested by the disruption of mucosa in the cartillaginous or bone part of nasal septum or in both of the parts at the same time.As a result, disruption of air transport through the nose and impaired nasal physiology occur. Crusting, epistaxis, and wheezing arise. Perforations are classified according to their size, type, and localization. There are many causes for nasal septum perforation: trauma, surgery, tumors, coexistence of inflammatory, infectious, degenerative, and autoimmune diseases, and cocaine abuse. The assessment of a patient with nasal septum perforation includes detailed medical history, physical examination, diagnostic and laboratory tests. Treating the underlying disease is of primary importance. The second step involves closing the perforation. Perforations can be treated conservatively (pharmacologically) or surgically. The choice of approach depends on the etiology, size, and location of the perforation. Surgical approach is the most effective. Surgical closure of nasal septal perforation is a difficult procedure associated with many complications. All surgical approaches are based on two main principles: creating mucosal, mucoperichondrial, and/or mucoperiosteal flaps or transplant. Prosthetic treatment is another solution. Literature data shows that highest success rate is achieved after surgical procedures with the use of mucosal flaps and temporal fascia transplants, as well as acellular human dermal allografts.