An extended approach for extensive septal deflections

Abstract EN

This study was performed on 25 patients suffering from extensive deflections of the nasal septum attending the ENT clinic of Assiut University Hospital with different etiology and presentation in the period from June 2000 to October 2003.

The extended approach used consists of a combination of a complete transifixion incision done in the membranous septum just in front of the anterior caudal end and an upper sublabial sulcus incision to elevate the mucoperiosteum of the floor of nasal fossae at the area of the pyriform aperture.

This approach was very effective in producing excellent exposure of the nasal septum while preserving the mucosal flaps in the cases with severe and extensive deviations of the septum in many planes that seem to be difficult to approach using the classic techniques.

Among its advantages also are the use of both hands, more than one assisstant and btter illumination and suction.