Success of Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Flaps for Nasal Septal Perforation Repair: A Systematic Review.
Hemali P Shah, Ethan Tsao, Alhan Sayyed et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review assessed anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) flap techniques for nasal septal perforation repair. Sixteen studies contributed data on 249 patients, including 223 adults and 26 children. Among 175 adults treated with the original AEA flap, overall closure success was 84.6% (148/175). Success was similar with an interposition graft and without one: 83.8% (62/74) versus 85.1% (86/101), respectively (p = 0.81). The authors conclude that the technique is reliable for perforations smaller than 2.5 cm; modified approaches were also reported.
Key findings
- Across 175 patients receiving the original AEA flap, perforation closure succeeded in 84.6% (148/175).
- Closure success was 83.8% (62/74) with an interposition graft and 85.1% (86/101) without one (p = 0.81).
- The review included 249 patients: 223 adults and 26 pediatric patients.
Why it matters
Septal perforation repair can be technically challenging, and this review consolidates reported outcomes for an endoscopic flap approach. The overall closure rate and similar results with or without an interposition graft provide useful context when considering the technique, while the evidence on modified approaches remains less established.
What to keep in mind
The review included only 16 studies, and reported follow-up for the original flap ranged from 3 to 51 months. The abstract does not describe a pooled comparative analysis of graft use.