OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical significance and surgical technique for revisionary submucous resection of nasal septum.

METHODSThirty-two patients who had undergone nasal septal resection were evaluated rhinologically and the causes of unsuccessful septoplasty were analysed . Based on the location and extent of deviation, the status of residual cartilage and bone, and the age of the patients, one of three incisions was chosen during septal surgeries: (1) For 5 cases with anterior, 1 with inferior and 14 with superior deviation, a "U" shaped incision at the left side of anterior edge of septum cartilage was used. (2) For 8 cases with posterior and 2 with superior deviation, the site of the incision was located just anterior to the deviation, with the aid of endoscope. (3) For 2 cases with anteroinferior deviation, because of their young age, a sublabial incision was made to surge the mucosa of the septum and base of nasal cavity, the otological electronic drill was then used.

RESULTSRevision nasal septoplasty was successful in all cases. The symptoms resulting from septal deviation disappeared or significantly relieved. Following successful revision surgery, the treatment outcomes of concomitant nasal and/or sinusal diseases also significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONRevision nasal septoplasty requires different approaches depending on different clinical characteristics. A successful correction of septal deviation can not only relieve the symptoms derived from deviation, but also be of significance for the treatment of concomitant nasal and/or sinusal diseases.