My husband had squamous cell cancer of the nasal septum. Doctors removed the septum but reconstruction done at the same time failed. Now facing new reconstruction Rather than take cartilage from ribs to replace nasal cartilage is there such a thing as a prosthetic septum. Dose the septum have to be made from living tissue? Outside of nose is intact but collapsed from lack of support.
Answer: Plastic Septum It all depends on the size of the deficiency, is there is enough tissue around it a septal button can be placed on the existing space. If there is not enough tissue, and he failed reconstruction, he may or may not be a candidate for a second attempt. This is involved and technically and difficult surgery. If interested you may want to do some research on Doctors that specialize in this surgery, such a s Dr. Burget, in Chicago.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
Answer: Plastic Septum It all depends on the size of the deficiency, is there is enough tissue around it a septal button can be placed on the existing space. If there is not enough tissue, and he failed reconstruction, he may or may not be a candidate for a second attempt. This is involved and technically and difficult surgery. If interested you may want to do some research on Doctors that specialize in this surgery, such a s Dr. Burget, in Chicago.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
November 2, 2015
Answer: Prosthetic Septum Thanks for your question. It sounds like you and your husband are going through a tough time dealing with this. In my opinion you husband is much better having a reconstruction using rib cartilage. Please be aware however it does not have to be harvested from his rib, a donated cadaveric rib graft may also be appropriate. These donated grafts are typically irradiated or chemically treated to essentially remove the living cells (so as to eliminate any risk of infectious transmission), however once inserted into living tissue the grafts easily become incorporated and "alive". Either form of rib graft is likely to be superior to a prosthetic as that will always carry the risk of infection and rejection. It is a tough situation but it sounds as if you are being properly advised. Hope this helps, and good luck.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
November 2, 2015
Answer: Prosthetic Septum Thanks for your question. It sounds like you and your husband are going through a tough time dealing with this. In my opinion you husband is much better having a reconstruction using rib cartilage. Please be aware however it does not have to be harvested from his rib, a donated cadaveric rib graft may also be appropriate. These donated grafts are typically irradiated or chemically treated to essentially remove the living cells (so as to eliminate any risk of infectious transmission), however once inserted into living tissue the grafts easily become incorporated and "alive". Either form of rib graft is likely to be superior to a prosthetic as that will always carry the risk of infection and rejection. It is a tough situation but it sounds as if you are being properly advised. Hope this helps, and good luck.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
