Extracorporeal Septoplasty: External and Endonasal Techniques

Wu, Peter S. MD, MS
Hamilton, Grant S. III MD, FACS

¹ Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Address for correspondence Grant S. Hamilton III, MD, FACS, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, [email protected]

Facial Plastic Surgery 32(1):p 22-28, February 2016. | DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1570123

Abstract

Severe septal deformities are among the most challenging problems faced by rhinoplasty surgeons. Extracorporeal septoplasty (ES)—also known as subtotal septal reconstruction—involves removal of the native deformed septum and replacement with a reconstructed neoseptum. Several techniques and multiple variations have been described in the literature. We present an overview of ES, pertinent anatomical structures and deformities, and the external versus endonasal approach, and describe some of our techniques.