Role of endoscopic septoplasty in the treatment of atypical facial pain.

BACKGROUND

An endoscopically performed septoplasty enables correction of deformities under superior visualization with limited tissue trauma and offers marked teaching advantages.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of endoscopic septoplasty in the treatment of atypical facial pain caused by septal contact points. In addition to describing the technique, we also intended to outline favourable selection criteria for patients who may benefit from this procedure.

METHOD

Thirteen patients with unilateral facial pain and septal contact points with lateral nasal wall structures who met our inclusion criteria were selected for endoscopic septoplasty.

RESULTS

The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 20 months postoperatively. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Seven of 13 (54%) patients were "completely cured" of their facial pain and another 5 patients (38.5%) were "significantly improved." Only one patient did not improve following surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic septoplasty is a useful approach for dealing with some septal abnormalities and can be very effective in the treatment of atypical facial pain in the appropriately selected patient.