Causes of the Removal of High-Density Polyethylene Sheets (Medpor) in Revision Rhinoplasty

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the causes of complications in rhinoplasties using Medpor. The medical records of 71 patients who had undergoing a reoperation after a rhinoplasty using Medpor were reviewed. From each patient's history, examination records, and operative records, the method of the previous rhinoplasty using Medpor was extracted. The previously inserted Medpor and the septal mucosa covering it were removed during the reoperation and observed in 3 cases. A turned-up or short nose (43.8%) and tip stiffness (25.3%) were significantly more common than other complaints (P < 0.05). The strut type (49.2%) and the septal extension type (43.8%) were significantly more common than the spreader type (P < 0.001). In the reoperation, extension grafts (47.1%) and by tip grafts (39.7%) were significantly more common than other procedures (P < 0.001). Grossly, the specimens were covered with septal mucosa and multiple ball-like granulation tissues (cobblestone appearance) at the "pores" of the Medpor. Microscopically, Medpor was covered with fibrous collagenous tissue, partially bridging through the pores. Inflammatory cells had infiltrated around the polyethylene. The authors classify the patients in the present series as: those with a long columella strut to the anterior nasal spine, those with Medpor inserted onto the membranous septum (septal extension graft or too large), and those with Medpor used as spreader graft covered with nasal mucosa (causing weakness of the nasal septum and thinning or necrosis of the mucosa). Using Medpor as a strut graft seems to be relatively safe if the floating type is used.