Analysis of symptoms and dynamic of the perforations size in 169 patients with septal perforations after closure with an individually adapted septum button (ISB)

Introduction:

Patients with septal perforations suffer from a spectrum of symptoms directly and indirectly linked to the perforation. Many do not wish a surgical closure, surgery has failed before or comorbidities discourage surgery.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate symptoms and the dynamics of the perforation size over time after fitting an ISB.

Methods:

Prospective analysis of nasal symptoms with the modified SNOT-20 GAV. Items such as “blocked nose”, “nosebleeding”, “whistling”, “nose pain”, “temperature-sensitivity”, “foreign body sensation” and “change in perception of smell and taste” were added for evaluation of specific symptoms. A plaster model in combination with a scanner was used to measure the perforation.

Results:

169 patients with septal perforations were evaluated. 51 patients with an average age of 57.7 years completed the questionnaire (53% male; 47% female). Except for the symptoms “sneezing” and “ear pain” the SNOT-20 GAV showed a significant improvement in 25 out of 27 evaluated items. The average perforation size of 158 perforations was 164.9mm2. Except an increase in two cases (1.3%) and a decrease in one case (0.6%), perforation sizes remained stable during the follow- up period of 4 years.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates a significant increase in symptom-reduction in patients with septal perforations after an ISB was fitted. Furthermore, we observed stable septal perforation sizes over the observed period in most patients. Thus, fitting an ISB is a viable alternative for patients unfit or unwilling for a surgical closure of the septal perforation.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)