Key principles to minimize mucoperichondrial flap lacerations during nasal septal surgery

Septal perforation, an unpleasant complication of septal surgery, is a direct result of compromised vascular supply to the septum caused by substantial mucoperichondrial flap laceration during surgery. Blue silicone nasal splints can be used to assist surgeons in the early detection of a small mucoperichondrial flap laceration, thus minimizing the risk of converting it into a larger and more substantial tear. The splints can also be used to protect the mucoperichondrial flap from inadvertent iatrogenic trauma. These techniques are useful adjuncts for minimizing mucoperichondrial flap lacerations, which ultimately reduce the risk of septal perforation.