When the submucous resection of the nasal septum was originated, in the early 20th century, it was advised for every deviated septum regardless of symptoms. With the discovery that allergy could cause nasal obstruction, general opinion went to the other extreme and the submucous resection went into an eclipse. This situation exists to a large extent to the present day. Even otolaryngologists are guilty of advising patients that symptoms could not originate from a badly deviated septum and that they should never agree to septal surgery. Therefore, it is thought worth while to compare the indications and the results of a series of submucous resections in order to clarify the indications.
The commonest significant deviation of the septum is a vomerocartilaginous ridge. A typical vomerocartilaginous ridge will be described. This deflection begins at the maxillary crest, inferiorly and anteriorly on one side. The deviation extends obliquely in a posterior and