Objective: To study the risk factors and interaction of nasal septal perforation (NSP) in rats.
Method: Animals (n=120) that underwent unilateral nasal obstruction using Merocel nasal packing or gelfoam with/without standard staphylococcus aureus inoculation were observed for the formation of NSP at 2, 3, 5, and 7 days after operation by endoscope system. Following sacrifice at 7 days, the obtained nasal secretions were prepared for bacterial culture. Experimental interventions were compared with normal controls (n=10).
Result: Perforation of nasal septum was observed in 80% of the animals accepted nasal obstruction using Merocel nasal packing with standard staphylococcus aureus inoculation in 3 days (P < 0.01), while in 70% of those using abacterial Merocel nasal packing in 5 days (P < 0.05) and no significant difference than that of before (P > 0.05). There was a weak region in anteroinferior nasal septum in rats, which the almost NSPs located in. The position of NSP does not overlap Merocel.
Conclusion: The interaction of risk factors contributes to NSP. The occurrence of NSP mainly depends on the construction of nasal septum, while dysaemia is also necessary. Obstruction of nasal drainage and infection promote the development of NSP.