ENDOSCOPIC SEPTOPLASTY

Often there is a need to address the status of the nasal septum during functional endonasal sinus surgery. The outcome of a sinus procedure can be enhanced if the surgeon has better exposure of the operative ar ea or if the patient receives a larger nasal airway, which provides la minar air flow. We present a technique of managing septal deviations a nd obstructions that adds little additional time to the sinus procedur e and allows direct evaluation of the septum with the endoscopes. We d escribe this relatively simple technique, indications for its use, and results of the first 38 cases.