The Nasal Septum

FOREWORD

The proposal of writing a book dedicated exclusively to the pathology and surgery of the nasal septum fulfills a training gap, which was greatly waited for so far. Pathology and surgery involving the nasal septum have been the major topic of study since 1905 when Killian (Killian G. The submucous window resection of the nasal septum. Ann ORL 1905; 14: 363) described the first technique for correcting deviations. The purpose of this textbook is therefore not to propose some novel practice in the field, but to gather in a single volume the overall approach to septal pathology and surgery, which grew up in a translational and multidisciplinary fashion over this latest century. The impact with the pathologies of the nasal septum is almost immediate as just as the Medical Specialization School in Otolaryngology has started, but also for those practitioners who are introducing to approach Maxillofacial Surgery or Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Yet, despite the enormous spread of these pathologies, the high number of professionals who dedicate themselves to them, the very long experience of many schools and also the considerable contribution that Distinguished Italian Masters have given to the topic, we have not yet managed to standardize indications, surgical techniques, management of failures and complications, so far. This handbook, examining the septal pathology as a whole, will give rise to a sort of manual for all those Experts having contributed to the field, just to be used in case of management doubts or practical questions. Furthermore, it is essential for all Doctors in Specialized Training in Otolaryngology and related branches with the aim of carrying out a correct classification of the various pathologies, setting correct therapeutic indications, performing surgical interventions according to the best international standards, and managing properly any complication.

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