The Septal Translocation Procedure: An Alternative to Lateral Rhinotomy

Abstract

Lesions deep in the nasal vault with contiguous sinus involvement often require a lateral rhinotomy for exposure. This procedure affords excellent surgical access, but requires a significant external incision. An alternative sublabial technique, with dislocation of the nasal septum into the opposite nasal passage, provides excellent surgical exposure for these same lesions, while external facial incisions are avoided. The text outlines the surgical technique and representative uses in optic nerve decompression, inverted papilloma, giant rhinolith, angiofibroma, and a variety of nasosinus and nasopharyngeal malignant lesions.