Septal Perforation Surgery: Closure Success, Risks and Innovative Approaches
Personalized Surgical Approach in Septal Perforation Treatment – Prof. Dr. Gediz Murat Serin
Septal perforation, that is, a hole in the nasal septum, can both make breathing difficult and cause dryness, crusting, bleeding and sometimes pain inside the nose.
When infection develops at the edges of the perforation, severe burning and pain sensations can occur. In the long term, nasal support decreases and collapse (deformity) may be seen in the nasal dorsum and tip.
These conditions cause not only aesthetic but also serious functional problems. Today, personalized surgical planning and innovative repair techniques have replaced classical methods.
Prof. Dr. Gediz Murat Serin explains the factors determining success in perforation repair, risks and modern surgical approaches in a way that patients can understand in this article.
What Does Closure Success Depend On?
The main goal of surgery is complete closure of the hole inside the nose and healthy reformation of the mucosa (nasal lining).
The success rate is directly related to the size and location of the perforation, the surgeon’s experience and the technique applied.
Septal perforation surgery is one of the most specialized and difficult areas of ENT specialty.
Many physicians mention this topic on their websites; however, the number of surgeons who actually perform this operation is quite limited both in Turkey and worldwide.
Therefore, this operation is considered difficult. However, in the hands of experienced surgeons, the success rate is high.
Prof. Dr. Gediz Murat Serin achieves a high rate of closure even in large perforations thanks to advanced flap techniques and multi-layered combinations developed through years of experience.
Surgical Techniques: From Classical to Innovative
Septal perforation repair is not just a hole-closing operation. The goal is to ensure that the tissues inside the nose are re-covered with viable and natural mucosa.
Therefore, flap (mucosal) techniques are used in every case—regardless of whether small or large.
Flaps prepared from inside the nose close the perforation edges with mucosa containing living tissue.
Sometimes ear or rib cartilage, sometimes fascia (membrane tissue) is used as support.
These grafts serve as a “carrier base” under the flaps and support the nutrition of the mucosa.
The real success is achieved when normal nasal mucosa regrows over these tissues.
If the mucosa does not heal, the placed tissues cannot be nourished over time and may dissolve.
Therefore, the long-term durability of the surgery depends on the correct application of the flap and graft combination.
In other words, the goal is not just to “close the hole” but to regain the natural mucosal covering.
Risks and Healing Process
As with any surgical intervention, there are some risks in septal perforation repair:
– Lack of flap nutrition,
– Infection,
– Re-opening of the perforation,
– Slight changes in nasal shape.
These risks are quite low with meticulous surgical planning and regular post-operative care.
Keeping the inside of the nose moist during the healing period, regular saline irrigation, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption directly accelerates healing.
Personalized Surgical Planning
Every patient’s nasal structure, mucosal thickness and past surgical history are different.
Prof. Dr. Gediz Murat Serin creates a personalized repair plan by evaluating these factors in detail.
When necessary, three-layer repair (mucosa + graft + mucosa) is applied.
With this method, both nasal airflow is preserved and the perforation is permanently closed.
As a result, both functional and aesthetic natural and long-term healing is achieved in every patient.
Conclusion
Septal perforation surgery is a specialized area that requires attention, experience and patience.
With modern techniques, correct patient selection and personalized surgical planning, this condition can now be treated with high success rates.
Prof. Dr. Gediz Murat Serin focuses on producing nasal function-preserving, natural-looking and permanent solutions in every case.
E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness) Compliant Author Information
Author: Prof. Dr. Gediz Murat Serin
Area of Expertise: Ear Nose and Throat, Rhinology, Septal Perforation Surgery
Clinic: Teşvikiye ENT Group – Istanbul
Contact: www.gedizserin.com | Instagram: @tesvikiyekbb
This content is for informational purposes; doctor examination is required for diagnosis and treatment.
