Nasal septal perforations: use of Silastic button in 108 patients.

Between June 1972 and November 1977, 108 patients had medical-grade Silastic buttons inserted transnasally into a perforation of the nasal septum. This nonsurgical technique was done as an office procedure with use of 5% cocaine applied topically in 97 of the 108 patients. The Silastic button has remained in place in 70.4% of the patients, with follow-up ranging from 9 months to 6 years. This mechanical device is inserted easily and has reduced crusting and bleeding considerably in many patients. The failures frequently were related to patient intolerance or poor mechanical fit and occurred in the first few days or first few months after insertion.