[Bipedicled flap technique according to Schultz-Coulon using open approach for septal defect repair].

BACKGROUND

The successful closure of a nasal septal perforation is a surgical challenge, which applies especially to large defects with a diameter exceeding 2.0 × 2.0 cm. This retrospective study presents results using open septoplasty via a transcolumellar approach and bipedicled flaps according to Schultz-Coulon for closure.

RESULTS

In 45/50 patients the perforation was closed successfully (90%) (CI 0.82-0.98). The survey of patients showed significant improvement rates for all questioned parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

In our hands the bipedicled flap technique combined with open access to the nasal septum yields good success rates for closure and consecutive improvement of life quality, also for large defects exceeding 2.0 × 3.0 cm. The open approach provides cosmetically excellent results based on the appropriate suture techniques and is advantageous concerning intraoperative overview and suture of the mucosal flaps. Additionally it can be easily combined with an open septorhinoplasty.