SEPTUM PERFORATION

Facts about septal perforation surgery

Behandlungsdauer ca. 2 Stunden
Anästhesie Vollnarkose
Aufenthalt 1 Nacht
Verband innere Schiene für 3 Wochen
Tamponaden keine Nasentamponaden nötig
Duschen ab dem Morgen nach der OP
Haare waschen ab 3. Tag nach der OP
Fadenzug innere Fäden selbstauflösend, evtl. äußere Fäden nach 1-2 Wochen
Verbandabnahme innere Folienentfernung nach 3 Wochen
Gesellschaftsfähigkeit i.d.R. nach wenigen Tagen

A perforation in the nasal septum can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common is a previous nasal surgery in which the nasal septum was reworked too radically. Furthermore, manipulations in the nose, such as nose picking or drug use, are factors that promote the development of nasal septal perforations.

 

The most important supporting structure of the nasal septum is the cartilage. Unfortunately, this cartilage is often removed too generously during many septal surgeries. If the mucous membrane in that area is then injured, the likelihood of developing a perforation in the nasal septum is high.

 

Septal perforations can severely limit quality of life, comparable to a tumor. Pain, constant nosebleeds, nasal obstruction, crust formation, and wheezing when breathing are just a few of the symptoms.

 

Once a perforation has formed in the nasal septum, it usually does not heal on its own. It tends to grow larger over time, placing a significant burden on those affected.

 

Surgical closure of a nasal septal perforation is a challenging procedure that requires considerable experience and skill in nasal surgery. Often, patients have already undergone a long journey with several unsuccessful surgeries and are looking for a competent practitioner who can end their suffering.

Benefits of septal perforation surgery with Dr. Wilke

  • Expert for Nose Surgery and Rhinoplasty
  • Highest medical standards made in Germany
  • Detailed advice & planning
  • Most modern surgical methods
  • Personal aftercare by the surgeon
  • Specialist in ear, nose and throat medicine
  • No nasal packings

Before and after surgical closure of a septal perforation with straightening of the nasal septum.


The larger a perforation in the nasal septum, the more difficult it is to close surgically. Any previous nasal surgery also significantly complicates the surgical closure of a perforation in the nasal septum. Diameters of up to 2 cm can usually be closed effectively and safely using the so-called four-flap technique or the bridge flap technique. Larger defects in the nasal septum require more advanced techniques, as sufficient surrounding mucosa cannot be mobilized for closure. Techniques such as the cross technique, further developed by Dr. Wilke, are promising in these cases.

 

Patient cooperation is crucial for a good outcome, as good results can only be achieved with a well-cared-for nose.

Patient reviews:

Simply great!

Great care! The consultation was professional, with plenty of time to ask questions. The rest of the preparation was uncomplicated.

On the day of the surgery, I was well cared for. When I woke up, Dr. Wilke came personally and told me that everything had gone well.

Overall, I am very satisfied and thank the entire team for the great care.

October 16, 2021 - Jameda
Large perforation miraculously closed!

About my case: After a botched surgery 4 years ago, a very large hole, over 2.5 cm in size, formed in my nasal septum.

I was having a hard time breathing, and my ENT doctor advised me against considering further surgery because the chances of correcting this hole would be very slim. In a consultation with Dr. Wilke, I gained new hope and decided to have the surgery. The large perforation was miraculously closed by Dr. Wilke.

The nasal septum is straight, and I can breathe well again. It's getting better every day. I highly recommend Dr. Wilke because he has accomplished something other doctors wanted to stay away from. Thanks again.

September 18, 2022 - Jameda
Very competent!

I have been treated by Dr. Wilke several times now and have been very satisfied every time.

Top-class expertise, very friendly, takes his time, and discusses everything without stress. I can only recommend Dr. Wilke.

December 21, 2021 - Jameda

Frequently asked questions about nasal septal perforation surgery

  • What is a septal perforation?

    Patients with a septal perforation have a hole in the nasal septum.

  • Where does a hole in the nasal septum come from?

    The most common cause of a hole in the nasal septum is previous surgery on the nasal septum. Other risks for the development of septal perforations include: nose picking, nasal drug use, accidents, and chronic inflammation.

  • What surgical techniques are there for septal perforation?

    There are numerous surgical techniques for closing a hole in the nasal septum. In most techniques, mucous membrane from the surrounding area is relocated into the hole and thus closed. In some cases, additional cartilage, for example from the auricle, must also be transplanted into the nose.

  • How is a septal perforation treated?

    Once a hole has formed in the nasal septum, it usually does not heal on its own. Experience shows that it tends to grow larger over time. To combat crusting and drying out of the nose, it is recommended to care for the nose with ointments and oils. Placeholders that are fitted into the hole are a poor compromise and should only be used in patients who completely refuse surgical closure or for whom surgery is not possible. In all other cases, surgical closure of the septal perforation is the best option.

  • What should be considered before and after closing the hole in the nasal septum?

    It is very important in the treatment of septal perforations to care for the nose before and after surgery and to avoid all activities that could impair wound healing (smoking, nose picking).

  • What are the benefits of treating septal perforations?

    Patients with septal perforations sometimes suffer from severe symptoms that severely limit their quality of life – pain, crusting, wheezing, frequent nosebleeds, and difficulty breathing through the nose. All of these symptoms can be eliminated with surgery.

  • What are the risks of septal perforation closure?

    The cause of a septal perforation is damage to the nasal septum that does not heal on its own. Therefore, the prerequisite for a successful healing is usually significantly worse than with other nasal surgeries. Intensive care of the nose and following the doctor's recommendations before and after the operation are very crucial for a good outcome. The main risk is the recurrence of a hole in the nasal septum.

  • Can septal perforation closure be combined with rhinoplasty?

    Usually, closure of a hole in the nasal septum can be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty.

  • How much does the treatment of a septal perforation cost?

    The treatment of a septal perforation is sometimes much more complex than a complete rhinoplasty, so the costs are based on the expected individual effort.

  • Are the costs of treating a septal perforation covered by health insurance?

    Since this is a medical procedure, the costs can be covered by health insurance.