Septal Perforation Repair

Septal perforations may cause symptoms such as scabbing, bleeding, noise when breathing through the nose, nasal congestion, nasal and postnasal drip. Symptoms can vary depending on the location, size and cause of the perforation. While a small perforation in the posterior region will not cause symptoms, it may cause discomfort in the anterior region such as noise, dryness, bleeding and crusting.

Treatment of a septal perforation that does not cause symptoms usually does not involve surgical intervention. If symptoms occur, occlusion therapy such as nasal irrigation, moisturizing drops, or a septal button may be used initially. However, these treatments do not provide a permanent solution; a permanent solution may be achieved by surgery.

Surgical treatment involves lifting the nasal mucosa on both sides and folding it onto the perforation. The perforation is then closed by suturing, and the interposition of a supportive structure such as cartilage increases the success.