title: Closure of nasal septal perforation via endonasal approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We report our experience in nasal septum perforation surgery using the endonasal approach. The role of rhinomanometry and nasal endoscopy in the management of septal perforation repair is also discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed a sample of 30 patients with septal perforation. Patients underwent preoperative and postoperative nasal endoscopy and rhinomanometry. They were all treated using the Cottle technique with the backward extraction-reposition of nasal septum and inverted sliding flap suture technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Closure rate for small-sized and middle-sized perforations was 94% and 75%, respectively. It was 86.6% if calculated for all patients. Preoperative nasal resistances was normal in patients with isolated septum perforation, and high in patients with associated septum deformity or hypertrophic turbinates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Cottle technique is a viable procedure for the closure of small- and middle-sized perforations. Endoscopy and rhinomanometry help provide a correct and complete understanding of this nasal alteration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Imola Hospital, Imola (BO), Italy.
authors.forename: Ignazio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tasca
authors.forename: Giacomo Ceroni
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Compadretti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D025363:Rhinomanometry; D016896:Treatment Outcome