A nasal septum perforation is a medical condition in which the nasal septum, the cartilaginous membrane dividing the nostrils, develops a hole or fissure.

This may be brought on directly, as in the case of nasal piercings, or indirectly, as by long-term cocaine use or chronic epistaxis. Rhinoplasty, if performed improperly, often results in a perforated or collapsed septum. Reasons for perforated nasal septums include constant manipulations, or rheumatologic diseases such as Wegener's granulomatosis. It has been reported as a side effect of anti-angiogenesis drugs like bevacizumab.

A perforated septum can result in breathing noises and may lead to recurrent nose bleeds. In this case, the perforation can be closed. The technique most frequently used is the mucosal bridge flap which covers the hole and creates an intact septum.

[edit] See also

• Nasal septum deviation

[edit] External links

• Encyclopedia of Medicine article on perforated septum

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