Septal Perforation Quality of Life questionnaire (SEPEQOL): validation of a new instrument to assess patients undergoing endoscopic repair of a nasal septal perforation.

PURPOSE: Nasoseptal perforations (NSP) are a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders with a wide range of available treatments. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can provide valuable insights for assessing clinical and surgical outcomes. This study aims to develop and validate a novel-specific questionnaire for patients with NSP. METHODS: A multi-centre prospective observational study was conducted at two tertiary referral hospitals. "Septal Perforation Quality of Life" (SEPEQOL) was developed by a committee of experts. The psychometric properties, including reproducibility, reliability, validity, and responsiveness, were assessed. RESULTS: The study included 96 symptomatic NSP patients and 30 healthy controls. SEPEQOL internal consistency was satisfactory [Cronbach´s α = 0.7843; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.702-0.856]. Test-retest reliability was excellent, demonstrated by the absolute intraclass correlation (ICC = 0.974; 95% CI, 0.935-0.989, P-value < 0.001) and Bland-Altman plot (line bias = 1.6 ± 4.57; 95% CI -0.54-3.74, P-value < 0.001). The mean total SEPEQOL score was higher before surgery (25.16 ± 1.65) compared to 6-months after the procedure (13.72 ± 11.39), with a mean difference of 12.19 [standard deviation (SD) 10.76], P-value < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: SEPEQOL is reliable, consistent, valid, and sensitive to change over time. SEPEQOL assesses the impact of health-related quality of life on NSP and its management in clinical practice. Moreover, it is easy to apply in clinical settings with minimal burden.

Oroantral Fistula Closure Using Double-Layered Flap: Greater Palatine Artery Flap and Buccal Fat Pad.

A novel surgical technique based on a combined approach to oroantral fistula closure using a double-layered flap: greater palatine artery pedicled flap and buccal fat pad combination. Laryngoscope, 133:1824-1827, 2023.

Innovative Surgical Techniques for Nasal Septal Perforations: Management and Treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to review and describe the main innovative surgical techniques for nasal septal perforation (NSP) repair that have been published in recent years. RECENT FINDINGS: Several techniques for NSP repair have been developed recently. The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) flap is a versatile technique for middle-size perforations in different locations. The greater palatine artery (GPA) flap is an excellent option for anterior-most NSPs. The lateral nasal wall flap and the pericranial flap are the most appropriate techniques for large perforations. The advent of these techniques has changed the management and has expanded the therapeutic arsenal to treat all types of NSPs according to the size, location, and osteo-cartilaginous support. However, no technique has been accepted as the gold standard. Extensive knowledge of different techniques is important to individualize the treatment, selecting the most appropriate in each case.