Histomorphological changes in human septal cartilage stored in different preservation solutions.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To assess the histopathological effects of three preservation solutions (70% ethanol, povidone-iodine, and ciprofloxacin) on human septal cartilage obtained during septoplasty and to compare their preservation characteristics for potential future graft applications. Optimal preservation of septal cartilage is clinically important because well-preserved grafts may reduce the need for secondary cartilage harvesting and the associated donor-site morbidity while facilitating reconstructive procedures during revision surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 septal cartilage specimens obtained from 30 patients undergoing septoplasty were allocated to three preservation groups and stored in the designated preservation solutions at +4 °C. Samples were examined histologically on days 0, 15, and 30. The evaluated parameters included chondrocyte count/cellularity, the percentage of empty lacunae, chondrocyte morphology, erosion score, inflammation, and necrosis. Evaluations were blinded. RESULTS: Progressive time-dependent histomorphological deterioration was observed in all preservation groups. From baseline to day 30, the ciprofloxacin group showed a greater reduction in chondrocyte count and a greater increase in the percentage of empty lacunae than the povidone-iodine group (adjusted p = 0.043 and p = 0.029, respectively). Although ethanol showed relatively favorable morphological findings at day 15, substantial deterioration was observed by day 30. Chondrocyte morphology and erosion scores also deteriorated over time. Inflammation and necrosis remained minimal across all groups. CONCLUSION: All tested preservation solutions were associated with progressive, time-dependent histomorphological deterioration of septal cartilage. No single preservation solution demonstrated consistently superior preservation across all evaluated histopathological parameters. Further biomechanical and biochemical studies are required to establish optimal cartilage preservation protocols.