Combined endoscopic sinus surgery and endonasal septal perforation repair: Symptom outcomes and perforation closure rates.

KEY POINTS: Combined endoscopic sinus surgery and nasal septal perforation repair is technically feasible. NOSE-Perf is a recently developed patient-reported outcome measure for nasal septal perforation. The decision to perform combined ESS and NSP repair should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Cadaveric and Computed Tomography Analysis of the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Flap.

BACKGROUND: The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) flap has been successful in repairing anterior nasal septal perforations and has been presumed to be axially based on AEA branches coursing through or around the cribriform plate (CP). However, limited evidence supports the flap's axial supply. The purposes of this cadaveric and computed tomography (CT) study were to assess the arterial anatomy from the CP to the septum, and to determine AEA flap length to predict ideal flap base width. METHODS: Ten fresh latex-injected cadavers were utilized for endoscopic dissection to identify arteries traversing the CPs on each side. First, arterial trajectories along the dorsal septum were recorded. Measurements were then made bilaterally along the septum from the middle turbinate (MT) axilla to the nasal branch of the AEA (NBAEA) traversing the CP. Additionally, 100 sinus CTs were reviewed to measure AEA flap lengths bilaterally. RESULTS: From 10 cadavers, 20 sides were utilized for measurements. In all cadavers, the AEA septal branches coursed diagonally or horizontally along the dorsal septum, and never directly vertically. The mean distance from the MT axilla to the NBAEA was 1.24 ± 1.93 cm (range = 1-1.5 cm). Based on CTs, the mean AEA flap length was 6.40 ± 0.60 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the non-vertical courses of AEA septal branches, the AEA flap is more likely a random transposition flap than an axial flap. Average AEA flap length ranged from 6.0 to 7.0 cm. Assuming 3:1 length:width ratios, AEA flap base widths should be about 2.0-2.3 cm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:2100-2104, 2024.

Endoscopic unilateral anterior ethmoid artery flap with or without cartilage graft for nasal septal perforation repair.

The septal perforation is a challenging condition that faces the otolaryngologist. The aim of our work was to evaluate this endoscopic repair of this septal perforation using a unilateral anterior ethmoid artery flap with or without a cartilage graft. Patients and methods: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study between June 2020 and June 2022. Our study included all adult patients with septal perforation due to trauma (operative and self-induced) lasting for more than one year. Patients underwent an endoscopic repair of a perforation and a questionnaire regarding subjective quality of life was completed at 3 months postoperatively. Results: A total of 18 patients were included in our study. The main symptoms were crusting (100%), bleeding (38.85%), whistling (16.6%), anosmia (16.6), and nasal obstruction sensation (11%). The mean perforation size was 13.6 mm, ranging between 4 mm and 28 mm. Number of years with the perforation (ranged between 2 and 16 years) with a mean of 4.876±1.645 years and a mode of 2 years. All cases were repaired using an endoscopic unilateral anterior ethmoid artery flap with or without cartilage.There were no intraoperative complications but postoperatively, these included pain, ranging between a score of 2 and 8 on the pain score chart, (the mean score was five and mode was four, appeared in six patients), which was treated with over-the-counter painkillers. In addition, there was one patient (5%) with a residual small perforation (2 mm). All patients were happy to fill out postoperative patient satisfaction questionnaires after 3 months. The mean was 21.8889 ±1.655 points and the mode, 25 points (highest possible score), appeared four times. The lowest scoring questionnaire summated to 15 points. Conclusions: The endoscopic unilateral anterior ethmoid artery nasal flap with or without cartilage graft has proven to be a reliable and a valuable graft that, with proper planning, can provide excellent results with minimal morbidity for nasal septal perforation repair.

Septal Perforation Repair Quality of Life Outcomes Using the Revised 15-item Glasgow Benefit Inventory.

BACKGROUND: The 18-item Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) has been widely used to measure patient general health response to otorhinolaryngologic and facial plastic interventions. The GBI was recently reorganized into 15 questions with 5 sub-scale factors (GBI-5F) to improve its utility. Application of the GBI-5F to septal perforation treatments may improve our understanding of quality of life outcomes. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: The GBI was given to patients seen from August 2018 through October 2021 who were at least 6 months postoperative attempted perforation surgical closure using bilateral nasal mucosal flaps with an interposition graft. Original GBI and GBI-5F scores were computed and subgroup analysis performed in this retrospective medical record review. RESULTS: Of the 98 patients (mean age 45.5 years) who met study criteria, 65 were female. Mean perforation length was 12.9, and height 9.7 mm. The mean postoperative time to GBI completion was 12.7 months. Highest GBI-5F scores were noted in the Quality of Life factor, followed by Self-confidence and Social Involvement. Females reported significantly higher scores than men. Total GBI scores were similar to those recorded for other rhinologic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The GBI-5F provides measurable insight into patient quality of life benefit following septal perforation repair.

Trilayer temporalis fascia interposition graft: A reliable technique for nasal septal perforation repair.

PURPOSE: Nasal septal perforation (NSP) repair is a complex procedure with variable techniques and success rates. In this study we describe NSP repair using a trilayer interposition graft of temporalis fascia and thin polydioxanone (PDS) plate without intranasal flaps and report outcomes in our patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IRB-approved retrospective review of 20 consecutive patients presenting to a tertiary medical center with NSP from September 2018 to December 2020 and who underwent NSP repair via our trilayer temporalis fascia interposition graft. De-identified patient data was obtained from the medical record and stored on an encrypted secure server. Descriptive statistics were examined for each variable. RESULTS: All 20 NSP repairs demonstrated durable repair with complete mucosal coverage at last follow-up (average 7 months). Complete resolution of preoperative symptoms was achieved in 85 % of patients, with partial resolution in the remaining 15 %. Of the 20 perforations 25 % were small (<1 cm), 50 % medium (1-2 cm), and 25 % large (>2 cm). The only surgical complication was a single intranasal synechiae. No graft harvest site complications were noted. CONCLUSION: The application of a trilayer temporalis fascia - PDS plate interposition graft without intranasal flaps is highly effective for repair of NSP.

Nasal Swell Body Characteristics in Patients With Septal Perforation.

Objective: To determine whether septal perforations have an effect on nasal swell body (NSB) size. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Two tertiary academic medical centers. Methods: Computed tomography maxillofacial scans of 126 patients with septal perforation and 140 control patients from November 2010 to December 2020 were evaluated. Perforation etiology was determined. Measurements included perforation length and height and swell body width, height, and length. Swell body volume was calculated. Results: The width and volume of the NSB are significantly smaller in perforation patients when compared to controls. The swell body is significantly smaller and thinner in perforations exceeding 14 mm in height compared to small perforations. Perforation etiology groupings into prior septal surgery, septal trauma, septal inflammatory, and mucosal vasoconstriction categories all demonstrated decreased swell body volume and width compared to controls. Inflammatory etiology had the greatest decrease in swell body size. The hemi-swell body on the contralateral side of a septal deviation is significantly thicker than the ipsilateral side. Conclusion: The NSB is smaller in patients with septal perforation regardless of perforation size or etiology.

Presenting Symptomatology for Patients With Nasal Septal Perforation: Application of the NOSE-Perf Scale.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively identify and quantitate presenting nasal symptoms in patients with a septal perforation using the validated NOSE-Perf scale. STUDY DESIGN: Case series retrospective review. METHODS: The medical records from August 2018 through January 2022 of patients at a tertiary care academic center with a septal perforation, and who completed the NOSE-Perf questionnaire, were reviewed. Perforation symptoms were identified and quantified using the 12-item NOSE-Perf scale (score range 0-48). NOSE-Perf findings were correlated to patient demographics, perforation etiology, and perforation length. NOSE-Perf scores of patients who pursued treatment were compared with those who did not. RESULTS: NOSE-Perf data were collected from 202 patients. Nasal crusting was noted in 94.1% of patients and was the most severe symptom reported (mean 2.9 of 4.0). Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and nasal obstruction followed in prevalence and severity. The mean total NOSE-Perf score was 23.7. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a weakly negative association of NOSE-Perf score with patient age and weakly positive association with increasing perforation length. NOSE-Perf scores were significantly higher in women and in patients pursuing treatment. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to use the validated NOSE-Perf scale to objectively characterize and establish baseline septal perforation symptomatology. The NOSE-Perf scale can play a role in the standardization of perforation evaluation and treatment outcomes assessment. Laryngoscope, 133:1315-1320, 2023.

Endoscopic Techniques for Nasal Septal Perforation Repair: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical repair of nasal septal perforations (NSPs) is technically challenging. Advantages associated with endoscopic NSP repair (ENSPR) include enhanced visualization and its minimally invasive nature. Purely endoscopic techniques have successful outcomes with low morbidity. This study provides a review of clinical features, surgical techniques, and outcomes in patients who underwent ENSPR. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane library, and Embase databases. Manual bibliography search produced additional articles. Studies reporting purely endoscopic approaches for NSP repair were included. Patient demographics, NSP size, etiology, repair strategy, incidence of closure, and follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 329 cases from 20 studies were included. The mean age was 37.2 years (range, 12.3-51 years) and 55.0% were male. Common etiologies were iatrogenic (n = 180, 60.0%), trauma (n = 66, 22.0%), and idiopathic (n = 36, 12.0%). The mean NSP size was 17.1 mm (range, 4-23). Repair techniques included unilateral random pattern flaps (n = 205, 62.3%), interposition grafts (n = 137, 41.6%), and unilateral axial pedicled local flaps (n = 81, 24.6%). 222 patients (67.5%) underwent a 2-layered repair, while 70 (21.3%) and 37 (11.2%) patients underwent single and 3-layered repairs, respectively. Successful closure was achieved in 296 patients (90.0%). When stratified by layers of repair, 65 single-layered (92.9%), 196 2-layered (88.3%), and 34 3-layered repairs (91.9%) were successful at a mean follow-up of 16.3 months (range, 3-31 months). CONCLUSIONS: ENSPR generally achieves NSP closure with high rates of success among varying types of repairs. Further studies may determine how clinical factors and surgical methods impact the likelihood of obtaining successful closure.

Sandwich graft technique outcomes in medium and large size nasal septal perforations / Resultados da técnica de enxerto sanduíche em perfurações do septo nasal de médio e grande porte

Abstract Introduction: Surgical treatment of medium and large sized nasal septal perforation is challenging. Techniques with and without interposition grafts are used. Objective: The aim of this study is to explain how we apply the sandwich graft technique that we use in medium and large nasal septal perforations as well as to present the results. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the patients who were operated with the sandwich graft technique between January 2014 to December 2018 and followed up for at least 6 months. The demographic data, symptom scores, examination, and surgical findings of the patients were taken from the hospital records. Surgical outcomes were presented according to both perforation etiologies (idiopathic or iatrogenic) and sizes (Group A: < 2cm, Group B: ≥ 2 cm). Results: We reviewed 52 cases and 56 surgeries. The average diameter of the perforations was 19.2 mm. The success rate after initial surgeries was 84.6% (44/52). After 4 revision surgeries, the perforation was closed in 88.5% of the cases (46/52). Success rates for Group A and Group B were 90.0% and 86.4%, respectively (p = 0.689). The success rates in idiopathic and iatrogenic cases were 93.3% and 86.5%, respectively (p = 0.659). Conclusion: This study showed that the success rate of sandwich graft technique was higher in medium-sized perforations than large-sized ones and in idiopathic perforations compared to iatrogenic ones, but the latter rate was not statistically significant. This demonstrated that perforation size was not as important in the sandwich graft technique as in flap techniques.

Resumo Introdução: O tratamento cirúrgico da perfuração do septo nasal de médio e grande porte ainda é um desafio. Várias técnicas são usadas, com e sem enxertos de interposição. Objetivo: Descrever o uso da técnica de enxerto sanduíche que usamos nas perfurações de septo nasal de médio e grande porte e apresentar os resultados. Método: Revisamos retrospectivamente os prontuários de pacientes que foram operados com a técnica de enxerto sanduíche entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2018, com acompanhamento por pelo menos seis meses. Os dados demográficos, escores de sintomas, exames e achados cirúrgicos dos pacientes foram extraídos dos registros hospitalares. Os resultados cirúrgicos foram apresentados de acordo com as etiologias (idiopática ou iatrogênica) e os tamanhos da perfuração (Grupo A: < 2cm, Grupo B: >2cm). Resultados: Revisamos 52 casos e 56 cirurgias. O diâmetro médio das perfurações foi de 19,2 mm. A taxa de sucesso após as cirurgias iniciais foi de 84,6% (44/52). Após quatro cirurgias de revisão, a perfuração foi fechada em 88,5% dos casos (46/52). As taxas de sucesso para os Grupos A e B foram, respectivamente, 90,0% e 86,4% (p = 0,689). As taxas de sucesso nos casos idiopáticos e iatrogênicos foram, respectivamente, 93,3% e 86,5% (p = 0,659). Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou que a taxa de sucesso da técnica de enxerto sanduíche foi maior nas perfurações de médio porte do que nas de grande porte e nas perfurações idiopáticas do que nas iatrogênicas, mas sem significância estatística. Esse dado demonstrou que o tamanho da perfuração não foi tão importante na técnica de enxerto sanduíche quanto nas técnicas com uso de retalho.

Repair of postoperative and recurrent nasal septal perforations using L-strut overlay flap.

BACKGROUND: Despite the many described techniques, surgical repair of iatrogenic nasal septal perforations is still challenging. The authors present a novel technique for endoscopic closure of postoperative and recurrent nasal septal perforations. METHOD: The technique is based on the elevation of a vascularized flap from the L-strut area and the creation of the bed site without dissection of the surrounding septum. Seven patients were operated using "L-strut overlay" flap from June 2018 to October 2020. All patients had their perforations closed 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Early results of our surgical technique have proven its simplicity and high effectiveness.

Repair of Large Nasal Septal Perforations Using the Upper Lateral Cartilage Mucosal Flap.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To describe the surgical technique and closure outcomes of larger septal perforation repair incorporating mucosa from the undersurface of the upper lateral cartilage into a superiorly positioned advancement flap. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: A chart review was performed for patients who underwent perforation repair utilizing bilateral nasal mucosal flaps which incorporated mucosa from the undersurface of the upper lateral cartilage into the superior flap between January 2009 and December 2020. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients met study criteria. Prior septal surgery was the most common (28.8%) etiology. Mean perforation length and height were 18.9 and 14.4 mm, respectively. Complete perforation closure was noted in 91.2% of patients followed for a minimum of 6 months (mean follow-up time 32.1 months). Twelve patients underwent secondary surgery for persistent nasal obstruction. Postoperative loss of dorsal height was noted in seven patients. The NOSE-perf scores were available for the last 15 repairs and demonstrated significant symptom improvement from a mean score of 26.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.2) to 14.5 (95% CI, 5.2) (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: The ventral surface of the upper lateral cartilage can provide additional mucosa for incorporation into a superior advancement flap to achieve successful closure for larger septal perforations. Optimization of surgical outcomes for this challenging condition may require secondary functional or aesthetic procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 132:973-979, 2022.

Sandwich graft technique outcomes in medium and large size nasal septal perforations.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of medium and large sized nasal septal perforation is challenging. Techniques with and without interposition grafts are used. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explain how we apply the sandwich graft technique that we use in medium and large nasal septal perforations as well as to present the results. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the patients who were operated with the sandwich graft technique between January 2014 to December 2018 and followed up for at least 6 months. The demographic data, symptom scores, examination, and surgical findings of the patients were taken from the hospital records. Surgical outcomes were presented according to both perforation etiologies (idiopathic or iatrogenic) and sizes (Group A: < 2 cm, Group B: ≥ 2 cm). RESULTS: We reviewed 52 cases and 56 surgeries. The average diameter of the perforations was 19.2 mm. The success rate after initial surgeries was 84.6% (44/52). After 4 revision surgeries, the perforation was closed in 88.5% of the cases (46/52). Success rates for Group A and Group B were 90.0% and 86.4%, respectively (p = 0.689). The success rates in idiopathic and iatrogenic cases were 93.3% and 86.5%, respectively (p = 0.659). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the success rate of sandwich graft technique was higher in medium-sized perforations than large-sized ones and in idiopathic perforations compared to iatrogenic ones, but the latter rate was not statistically significant. This demonstrated that perforation size was not as important in the sandwich graft technique as in flap techniques.

Nasal Septal Perforation Repair with an Inferior Turbinate Flap and Acellular Dermal Matrix.

Nasal septal perforation is an uncommon disorder that can cause disturbance of nasal physiology. The perforations can vary widely in size, location, and symptomatology. Many different closure techniques have been described in the literature; however, no gold standard has been recognized. The choice of surgical technique usually depends on the characteristics of the perforation and surgeon experience. Due to the goal of perforation repair being restoration of normal nasal physiology, techniques with the best outcomes have been those resurfacing the septum with nasal respiratory mucosa. Here we present our novel surgical method for large (> 2 cm) septal perforation closure using a modification of the inferior turbinate flap repair using a polydioxanone plate and the acellular dermal matrix allograft (Alloderm, Allergan Inc.).

The Nasal Swell Body and Septal Perforation Repair.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with secondary surgery for persistent nasal obstruction following successful septal perforation repair and describe the potential contribution of the nasal swell body (NSB) to obstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: IRB-approved retrospective chart review of perforation repairs utilizing bilateral mucosal flaps performed by the senior author from October 2008 through April 2019 was performed. Patients who underwent secondary surgery for persistent nasal obstruction were identified. Data regarding patient demographics, perforation characteristics, primary closure technique, and secondary surgical procedures for persistent postoperative obstruction were analyzed. Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores were assessed pre and post revision surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (14.7% of 232 successful repairs) met study criteria. Of those, 30 patients underwent revision septal surgery. An inferiorly advanced NSB was surgically reduced in 9.9% (23/232) of patients following successful closure to improve persistent obstruction. There was no incidence of reperforation. All patients undergoing NSB reduction reported improved nasal airflow postoperatively and 13 completed the NOSE questionnaire. The mean preoperative NOSE score (95% CI) was 52.7 (42.2-63.2; median, 50). The mean postoperative NOSE score (95% CI) was 19.2 (12.8-25.6; median, 15). The difference between the preoperative and postoperative NOSE scores was statistically significant (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Repair of a septal perforation using a superior bipedicle flap carries the potential for the NSB to contribute to persistent postoperative nasal obstruction. The swell body can be surgically reduced, without re-perforation, to relieve obstructive symptoms in the patient with a successful perforation repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 2020.

Septal Perforation Repair Utilizing an Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Flap and Collagen Matrix.

BACKGROUND: Nasal septal perforation repair remains a challenge with no standard technique for repair recognized. OBJECTIVE: To describe the combination of an anterior ethmoidal artery flap with a collagen matrix inlay as a successful technique for nasal septal perforation repair. METHODS: A case series of consecutive patients who underwent nasal septal perforation repair with an anterior ethmoidal artery flap with an inlay collagen graft was conducted. Demographic data, preoperative features of the perforation (size, location, and presence of chondritis), and postoperative outcomes were analyzed; closure rate, mucosalization rate (of the contralateral side at 21 and 90 days), and complications (crusting, bleeding, obstruction, infection, and rehospitalization <30 days) were documented. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (age: 49 ± 15 years, 30.8% women) were assessed. The perforation size was 1.6 ± 0.9 cm (range: 0.3-3.5 cm) and located 1.2 ± 0.5 cm (range: 0.5-2.0 cm) posterior to the columella. Chondritis was present in 69.2%. The closure rate was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77%-100%) at both 21 and 90 days. One patient required a free mucosa graft to an area of persistent crusting on the contralateral side (7.7%). Complications were low; bleeding 0%, obstruction 7.7% (requiring corticosteroid injection of anterior ethmoidal artery flap), and 0% infection/rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: Anterior ethmoidal artery flap with an inlay collagen matrix is a reliable technique to repair nasal septal perforation. This technique, with robust vascularity and wide angle of rotation, enables the closure of perforations both large (<50% total septum) and with anterior locations.

Septal perforation repair without intraoperative mucosal closure.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To report a technique for septal perforation repair that does not rely on intraoperative mucosal closure of the perforation defect. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with prospective and retrospective data collection. METHODS: Nine patients received multilayer interposition grafts and no attempt at intraoperative mucosal closure for repair of septal perforations. Eight patients received multilayer interposition grafts consisting of temporoparietal fascia on one side, polydioxanone plate in the middle, and deep temporal fascia on the other side. One patient received a variant graft consisting of acellular dermal matrix, polydioxanone plate, and full-thickness temporal fascia. Silastic or silicone sheets were placed bilaterally for at least 12 weeks to protect the septum during healing. This technique was applied to a variety of challenging surgical candidates. RESULTS: The eight patients who received interposition grafts with bilateral temporal fascia had complete repair of septal perforation sites. The variant interposition graft had complete loss on the acellular dermal matrix side but good integration of temporal fascia on the contralateral side. CONCLUSIONS: This tension-free technique does not rely on intraoperative mucosal closure of the septal perforation. It has been used to successfully obtain complete repair in a variety of challenging surgical candidates when combined with temporal fascia autografts.