Nasal septal perforation repair using oral mucosal flaps.

BACKGROUND

Surgery for the closure of nasal septal perforations is challenging. Numerous techniques have been described.

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether nasal septal perforations heal less consistently if a connective tissue scaffold is not placed between the repaired septal flaps.

METHODS

We performed closure of a septal perforation via a closed approach using oral mucosal flaps without the interposition of a connective tissue graft in seven patients.

RESULTS

Complete perforation closure was achieved in 5 cases (71.4%). There was no significant donor site morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

These initial results suggest that this is an effective technique for closing nasal septal perforations; it obviates the morbidity of the open approach and the added operating time and morbidity associated with the harvesting of a connective tissue graft.