Extracorporeal septoplasty: complications and new techniques.

OBJECTIVES: To report our complication rates during extracorporeal septoplasty (ECS) and to describe a new fixation and splinting technique we developed to simplify stable midline fixation of the neocaudal septum. Correction of the caudally deviated septum remains one of the more difficult surgical goals in functional nasal surgery. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review of patients undergoing ECS at our institution. We report our complications and describe a new technique for ECS. RESULTS: Forty-six patients underwent ECS from June 1, 2007, through April 30, 2010. Twenty-six of these patients underwent primary surgical repair, whereas 20 presented for revision surgery from outside facilities. Ten revision cases required an ear cartilage graft, and 5 required a rib graft. The overall complication rate was 9% (4 patients), with 4% (2 patients) each for minor and major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Complication rates of ECS are similar to those of endonasal septoplasty. Stable midline fixation of a reconstructed neocaudal septum is possible with a new technique that relies on novel splinting instead of suture fixation to the midline of the nasal spine.