Extracorporeal Septoplasty Research Articles

Use of Intraoperative Template for the Reconstruction of Septal Replacement Graft.

Anterior and caudal deviation of the septumcan severely affect a patient's functional and cosmetic outcomes, especially seen in crooked noses. Hence, extracorporeal septoplasty is often performed where an L-shaped septal replacement graft replaces the septum to restore the functionality and aesthetics of the nose. Although an L-shaped graft can be reconstructed with the help of a caliper, the exact length and angulation between the two cartilages cannot be accurately assessed intraoperatively and preoperatively and the graft needs repeated modification. In contrast, an L-shaped template can be easily made from a wrapper of suture material and can be customized to make the neoseptum. The cartilage graft can be exactly matched to the template, which can later be successfully used as a neoseptum. We have documented using the intraoperative template to make an accurate neoseptum in a crooked nose.Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Functional and esthetic outcomes of functional rhinoplasty for internal nasal valve dysfunction in Asian patients

ObjectiveThis study aimed to use validated measures to evaluate the functional and esthetic outcomes in patients who underwent functional rhinoplasty for Internal Nasal Valve Dysfunction (INVD) in Korea. MethodsA retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent functional rhinoplasty for INVD confirmed by endoscopic findings and the modified Cottle test between 2016 and 2018 was performed. Nasal obstruction was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale. Acoustic rhinometry was performed pre- and post-operatively. The Minimal Cross-Sectional Area (MCA) of the nose was measured. Objective assessment of the esthetic outcomes was performed with the Objective Rhinoplasty Outcome Score (OROS), which assesses tip rotation, projection, width, dorsal height, width, length, symmetry, and the overall result. ResultsFifty-seven patients (46 men and 11 women; mean age, 30.5 ± 12.3 years) who underwent functional rhinoplasty were included in this study. The VAS and NOSE scores indicated functional improvement in all cases (all p < 0.001). There were no significant between-group differences (VAS score, p = 0.274; NOSE score, p = 0.952). The objective functional outcomes evaluated using MCA on the concave (p = 0.478) and convex (p = 0.631) sides did not differ significantly pre- and post-operatively. The subjective evaluation of esthetic satisfaction revealed no between-group difference. Moreover, 31 out of 44 patients (70.5%) with static INVD and nine out of 14 patients (64.3%) with dynamic or combined INVD showed excellent outcomes. Regarding objective esthetic outcomes, scores for the eight factors were >3, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (all p > 0.05). ConclusionsFunctional rhinoplasty, including extracorporeal septoplasty and spreader grafting, may be a viable option for correcting INVD with functional and esthetic improvement. Dynamic INVD is less prevalent among Asians, and there was no significant difference in the surgical outcomes compared with those of static INVD. Level of EvidenceLevel 4.

THE RESULTS OF SEPTOPLASTY IN PATIENTS WITH VARIOUS FORMS OF DEVIATED OF THE NASAL SEPTUM USING THE TECHNIQUE OF EXTRACORPOREAL REMODELING AND REPLANTATION OF THE SEPTUM

Objective: To present the results of extracorporeal septoplasty in patients with various forms of deviated of the nasal septum, using the technique of replantation of the septum and to discuss the advantages and limitations. Materials and methods: The work is based on clinical observations of 164 patients with curvature of the nasal septum from 2018 to 2023. All patients underwent a standard otorhinolaryngological examination, spiral computed tomography CT of the nose and paranasal sinuses in coronary and axial projections. Endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity carried out by an endoscope of the Karl Storz company. Nasal breathing is objectively evaluated with the help of the "PC 300 nose manometer" by ATMOS, which allows to register the pressure in one half of the nose while the patient breathes through the other. A modified "extracorporeal" septoplasty is used, which consists in the complete isolation and temporary removal of the deformed quadrilateral cartilage, followed by its correction and reimplantation. The operation was performed under general anesthesia with performed oral intubation. Results: No complications were observed during the operation, the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results of septoplasty. Complications were noted in the remote postoperative period. long-term swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose (partially obstructed nasal breathing), which was stopped by taking antihistamines, in 5 patients. In all clinical observations, stable support of the cartilaginous part of the nasal septum and the absence of its secondary deviation were obtained, which also directly affects the harmonic aesthetic results of the shape of the external nose and free nasal breathing. The indicators of the rhinomanometer showed a significant improvement in nasal breathing and are approaching the values accepted as the norm. Conclusions: Extracorporeal septoplasty in patients with various forms of curvature of the nasal septum is an effective surgical technique that gives optimal functional results.

Partial Extracorporeal Septoplasty in Crooked Noses.

In crooked noses, the standard septoplasty is a challenge because of the complex deviation of the septum, where straightening of the cartilage in situ is impossible. Hence, it is required to remove the partial/total septum and later is replaced backafter being straightened; the procedure is called partial/total extracorporeal septoplasty. In the present study, we shared our experience of partialextracorporeal septoplasty in patients with crooked noses. It is a retrospective analysis of 30 crooked noses who underwentextracorporeal septoplasty due to gross septal deviation from March 2020 to August 2022. The functional and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated at the end of 12 months. Of 30 cases, partial and totalextracorporeal septoplasty was performed in 28 casesand twocases respectively. Neoseptum was reconstructed with septal cartilage in 27 (90%) cases, costal cartilage in one case and conchal cartilage was usedin two instances. All the patients had good functional and aesthetic outcomes till 12 months of follow-up, and there were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications. Extracorporeal septoplasty can be an excellent surgical procedure in the highly deviated nasal septum, in Indian noses with a crooked nasaldeformity. It provides adequate exposure to the whole septum, ensuring good functional and aesthetic outcomes with minimal complication rate. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Septal Reconstruction: Simple to Complex.

Nasal septal deviation is a frequent problem treated by otolaryngologists and facial plastic surgeons. Complete correction of the septal deformity is often essential both for straightening a crooked nose and for restoration of the nasal airway. While standard septoplasty techniques provide excellent outcomes in most patients, severe septal deformities may require treatment with more advanced maneuvers including adjacent grafting, caudal septal replacement, and even extracorporeal septoplasty. This article reviews a range of septoplasty techniques, with an emphasis on complex septal reconstruction and approaches that can be utilized to maintain keystone stability and establish a robust midline L-strut even in cases with challenging anatomy.

Sliding Spine Relocation Surgery with Anterior Septal Reconstruction.

Study Design: Technical note. Objective: The lower nasal architecture is dependent on caudal septal integrity. Deviations of the caudal septum can compromise nasal airflow. The presence of anterior nasal spine deviations contributes to septal and medial crural shifting with ipsilateral encroachment. It is essential to identify nasal spine deviation during surgery in order to reconstruct the septum in a midline position at its base. This allows an appropriate management plan that creates a better functional and aesthetically pleasing outcome. A stable midline anterior nasal spine is warranted to support the newly reconstructed straight caudal strut, which can be effectively corrected by anterior septal reconstruction. Methods: The proposed method intends to combine anterior nasal spine centralization with correcting caudal septal deviation and nasal obstruction through a modified extracorporeal septoplasty technique. We describe a novel technique to centralize the deviated anterior nasal spine using the piezoelectric device by performing a contralateral adjacent ostectomy and en-bloc relocation and fixation of the anterior nasal spine with microplates and screws. Results: This surgical approach creates a stable caudal septum and a centrally positioned anterior nasal spine, which improves nasal airflow and ensures a stable repair. Conclusion: Sliding spine relocation surgery with anterior septal reconstruction repositions a deviated anterior nasal spine and corrects caudal septum deviation, that can impair the nasal airway.

Correction of the Saddle Nose Deformity Using the "Push Up" Technique.

The saddle nose deformity typically occurs after the loss of underlying septal support with loss of projection of the middle nasal vault. This creates a saddling effect as the upper lateral cartilages contract and forms a dip in the profile. The saddle nose deformity can occur from many different etiologies, including septal hematoma, fracture of the septum after trauma, disruption of the dorsal L-strut support after septoplasty, and metabolic disorders resulting in the loss of septal support. In most cases, the nasal bones remain in their native position creating a discrepancy in dorsal height and deformity. Correction of the saddle nose deformity can be performed using one of the two primary approaches. The most basic option is to simply fill the defect with a cartilage onlay graft (solid graft, diced cartilage and fascia, and so on) to create a normal dorsal line. This approach can be effective in many cases. Over time, the onlay graft may descend and create deformity or become visible. The other approach involves opening the middle nasal vault, placing spreader grafts, and reconstituting the dorsal L-strut, performing septal reconstruction or extracorporeal septoplasty. In this paper, we present our technique of repairing the saddle nose deformity using a "push up" method that preserves the middle vault anatomy and reconstitutes the proper projection of the middle-third of the nose.

Correction of the Saddle Nose Deformity Using the "Push Up" Technique.

The saddle nose deformity typically occurs after the loss of underlying septal support with loss of projection of the middle nasal vault. This creates a saddling effect as the upper lateral cartilages contract and forms a dip in the profile. The saddle nose deformity can occur from many different etiologies, including septal hematoma, fracture of the septum after trauma, disruption of the dorsal L-strut support after septoplasty, and metabolic disorders resulting in the loss of septal support. In most cases, the nasal bones remain in their native position creating a discrepancy in dorsal height and deformity. Correction of the saddle nose deformity can be performed using one of the two primary approaches. The most basic option is to simply fill the defect with a cartilage onlay graft (solid graft, diced cartilage and fascia, and so on) to create a normal dorsal line. This approach can be effective in many cases. Over time, the onlay graft may descend and create deformity or become visible. The other approach involves opening the middle nasal vault, placing spreader grafts, and reconstituting the dorsal L-strut, performing septal reconstruction or extracorporeal septoplasty. In this paper, we present our technique of repairing the saddle nose deformity using a "push up" method that preserves the middle vault anatomy and reconstitutes the proper projection of the middle-third of the nose.

Efficacy of Polylactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Plate as a Graft Material in Septorhinoplasty

Background and Objectives Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) plate has been recognized for its biocompatibility and biomechanical properties and used widely in various clinical fields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and reliability of PLGA plate as a graft material in septorhinoplasty.Subjects and Method Medical records were retrospectively analyzed for patients who underwent septorhinoplasty including extracorporeal septoplasty from January 2017 to June 2020. We evaluated demographics, diagnosis, operation techniques, and complications of PLGA plate as a graft material used in these patients.Results A total of 33 patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty-eight were male and 5 were female. The median age was 32 years old. The follow-up period after surgery was 6-32 months, and the mean follow-up period was 18.03 months. The PLGA plate was used in unilateral spreader graft (n=17), bilateral spreader graft (n=10), batten graft (n=3), strengthening of septal extension graft (n=2) and columellar strut graft (n=3), and fixing L-strut during extracorporeal septoplasty (n=12). During the follow-up period, no patient experienced extrusion or exposure of the grafts. Mild complications, such as redness of the columella skin, granulation in the marginal incision site, and pain on the nasal dorsum were observed in three patients; these complications were temporary and patients improved with conservative treatments.Conclusion The PLGA plate may be a useful graft material in correcting deviated nose especially when the harvested septal cartilage is insufficient and if used carefully in limited locations such as L-strut and columella.

Modified technique of extracorporeal septoplasty in severe septal deviation

ObjectivesSeptal deviation represent a major cause of aesthetic disorders and respiratory obstruction. The traditional septoplasty techniques may often be inadequate to treat severe deviations. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the modified technique of extracorporeal septoplasty in terms of subjective improvement in validated NOSE score post-operatively and complications in short term (3months). MethodsA total of 20 patients with severe septal deviation were evaluated in the Otolaryngology Outpatient Department in Al-Immamain Al-Khadimain Medical City, from March 2017 to February 2018. All were undergoing extracorporeal septoplasty (ECS) and assessed pre and post-operatively clinically and endoscopically and subjective evaluation of the respiratory function was obtained by mean of Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale which compared with the results obtained preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months post-intervention. ResultsNOSE scores at 1 and 3 months follow-up demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.0001) compared to preoperative values. There were no complications recorded. ConclusionsThe modified extracorporeal septoplasty technique proved to be functionally effective at 3-month follow-up in cases of severe septal deviation.

Effectiveness of Closed Reduction in the treatment of nasal bone fractures

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of closed reduction of nasal bone fracture according to severity. It was a retrospective study carried on 60 patients with mean age of 30.2 years (range 10-67 years) who have undergone a closed reduction of a nasal bone fracture at Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019. The patient with nasal bone fracture who underwent surgical intervention with closed reduction under General anaesthesia were included in this study. Fracture severity was evaluated according to Hwang et al.’s classification method. All patients underwent closed reduction with external nasal splinting under General anesthesia. The patients were followed-up for at least three months to assess the complications, such as fracture recurrence and functional abnormality in the Department. The most common cause of nasal bone fracture was road traffic accidents 25 (41.6%) followed by physical assaults 18 (30%), fall injuries 12 (20%), other incidences 3 (5%), and industrial accidents 2 (3%). Forty-three (72%) cases underwent closed reduction within 24 hours of those who arrived within 4-6 hour of nasal injury in the hospital and the remaining 17 (28%) cases were reduced after 5 days of trauma. Concurrent fracture found in 8 (13%) cases and it included maxillary, zygomatic, orbital, frontal bone fracture. Nasal bone fracture mostly occurs in road traffic accidents. Closed reduction with good alignment is the preferred method. Septorhinoplasty and extracorporeal septoplasty should be applied in difficult and comminuted nasoseptal fracture.

Comparison of Endonasal and External Septoplasty for Treatment of Buckled Caudal Septal Deviation

To compare endonasal and external septoplasty for type 2 caudal septal deviations in terms of operative time, aesthetic and functional outcome. Descriptive Analysis. ENT Department, Mayo Hospital/ K.E.M.U, Lahore, from October 2019 to October 2020. Record of patients operated for septal deviations in 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients, diagnosed with type 2 caudal septal deviations, were included; while those with marked inferior turbinate hypertrophy, deviated nasal septum after trauma, and those who could not be followed-up, were excluded. Twenty-eight patients, operated by external approach, were placed in group A; and 32 patients, who had endonasal surgery, were placed in group B. Functional outcome was assessed by nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale; and cosmetic deformity was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) pre- and postoperatively at six months. Operative time was measured for both the groups. Sixty patients were included. Mean preoperative NOSE scale score for group A was 67.36 ± 8.07 and postoperative was 15.82 ± 3.62 (p<0.001). Mean preoperative NOSE score for group B was 69.40 ± 5.80 and postoperative it was 18.00 ± 3.75 (p<0.001). Mean VAS score for group A preoperative and postoperative was 18.93 ± 7.86 and 76.07 ± 6.85 (p<0.001), respectively. Mean VAS score for group B preoperative and postoperative was 19.69 ± 7.82 and 71.56 ± 8.84, respectively (p<0.001). Mean operative time for group B was 52.25 ± 3.37 minutes, and for group A 115.00 ± 9.91 minutes (p<0.001). The difference in preoperative and postoperative NOSE and VAS scores compared for both groups revealed p-value of 0.952 and 0.044, respectively. Extracorporeal septoplasty resulted in better aesthetic outcome; though endonasal septoplasty had shorter operative time. Both surgical techniques resulted in good functional outcome. Key Words: Nasal septum, Nasal surgical procedures, Deviated nasal septum, Caudal deviation septum, Septoplasty, Septorhinoplasty, Nasal obstruction symptoms evaluation (NOSE) score, Visual analogue scale (VAS).

Extracorporeal Septoplasty for anterior septal deviation and deviated nose

Background: Deviated nose and septum is challenging, which results in functional and cosmetic problems. It blocks the nose and makes person ugly. The classical septoplasty approach becomes unsuitable for such severe deviations. Extracorporeal septoplasty is a surgical technique for correcting a severely deviated nasal septum, which also corrects the aesthetic part of the nose. The objective of this study was to describe extracorporeal septoplasty for Deviated nose and anterior septal deviation.&#x0D; Methods: A prospective observational outcome study was done in patients with Deviated nose and anterior septal deviation who underwent extracorporeal septorhinoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation was performed using a photographs, computerized tomography (CT) scan, and Nasal obstruction symptoms evaluation scale.&#x0D; Results: A total of 38 consecutive patients were enrolled, out of which majority were male (24, 63.2%) with only 14 (36.8%) female. The ratio of male female was 1.7:1. All the subjects had deviated nasal septum. Among these, nose deviation was externally noticeable in 20 (52.6%) cases, whereas in remaining cases it was inconspicuous. There were 21(55.3%) patients where Nasal Septum was deviated to the right side followed by 17(44.7%) with left side deviation. There was a significant improvement in mean nasal obstruction symptoms evaluation postoperatively (71.2 versus 22.7 with p value equal to 0.01). According to the pre and postoperative photographs 17(44.7%) patients had good improvement, nine (23.6%) showed excellent improvement and the result was fair in six (15.7%) patients.&#x0D; Conclusions: Extracorporeal septoplasty is effective in improving both nasal airway function and aesthetics in patients with severe Nasal Septal deviation.

Septoplasty by disarticulation

The difficulty of correcting nasal septum deformities using the classical Killian or Cottle techniques or derivatives has led in recent years to new suggestions such as extracorporeal septoplasty or various apposition grafts to counteract refractory deformity of the quadrangular cartilage. Naturally occurring septal deformities result from conflicts in growth between the quadrangular cartilage, perpendicular ethmoidal plate and vomer, which each have their own different evo-devo origin. Septoplasty by disarticulation consistently restores a level septum by completely resolving the growth conflicts. Conserving the quadrangular cartilage is essential for the stability of the nasal pyramid on condition that 1) the lateral flare of the superior edge of both the component septolateral cartilages that suspend it at the roof of the piriform orifice and 2) the height of its anterior edge are respected. The anterior edge is always high enough (except in case of fracture or malformation to project the retrolobular nasal dorsum in proportion to the height of the alar cartilage when it is repositioned on its natural premaxillary base.

Chronological events in the surgery of the septum

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;Nasal obstruction unilateral or bilateral, secondary to congenital birth passage or adult, nasal trauma requires surgical intervention of the deviated septum. Intervention ranges from a minimal septal repositioning to submucosal resection, simple septoplasty or the extensive extracorporeal septoplasty. The development of septal surgery with the developments in the field of rhinology has been reviewed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Versatile Applications of Different Septal Correction Techniques in Rhinoplasty

Nasal obstruction due to septal deviation is a commonproblem. In addition to the functional problem it may causean aesthetic deformity. Several septal correction techniqueshave been evolved over the years either through open or theendoscopic approaches. Beside the classic Insitu septal correctiontechniques; extracorporeal septoplasty represents aneffective tool in the management of severely deviated septum.The internal nasal valves are the narrowest part of the upperairway system. Their reconstruction is very essential step fora successful functional outcome. In the current study, theauthors compared between two groups of patients. The firstgroup was the extracorporeal septoplasty and the second group was the Insitu septoplasty. In both groups; they used spreadergrafts for the internal valve reconstruction. The procedurethen was conducted with the same essential steps of rhinoplastyaccording to each case individually. A validated subjectivescore for functional assessment of the improvement (NOSE)was used. NOSE score was used for subjective assessment ofthe results before and 6 months after the procedure. Statistically,results were nearly the same between the two groups after 6months. The authors concluded that both techniques wereeffective in the management of moderate to severe septaldeviation provided that the internal valve was constructedwith spreader grafts.

Evaluation of the Esthetic and Functional Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty for Rhinoplasty in Asian Patients.

ObjectivesIn extracorporeal septoplasty (ECS), the entire septal cartilage is harvested, and a neo-L strut is built extracorporeally. Thus, ECS can simultaneously achieve septum straightening and tip projection. This study evaluated the functional and esthetic outcomes of the ECS technique for rhinoplasty in Asian patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 64 patients who underwent rhinoplasty using ECS between January 2016 and March 2018. Subjective patient satisfaction was assessed and objective surgical outcomes were evaluated. Improvement in nasal obstruction was rated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Anthropometric changes were compared between preoperative and postoperative facial photographs. Complications and revisions were also analyzed.ResultsThe participants comprised 64 patients (48 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 29.3 years). The mean operative time was 89.3 minutes. In total, 61 patients were satisfied with the esthetic outcome, and the overall objective rhinoplasty outcome score was 3.45. Preoperative nasal obstruction symptoms (7.9±1.2 on VAS) improved postoperatively (3.1±1.3, P<0.001), and significant improvements were also observed in the nasofrontal angle (152.3° to 148.1°, P<0.001), nasolabial angle (88.8° to 92.0°, P<0.001), and nasal tip projection (0.62 to 0.66, P<0.033). Recurrent deviation of the nasal septum and external nose or tip deprojection did not occur in any patients, and there were no cases of revision during the mean follow-up period of 13.3 months.ConclusionECS might be an esthetically and functionally satisfactory alternative rhinoplasty technique for Asian patients with a shortage of septal cartilage.

Outcomes of Combined Anterior Septal Reconstruction and Dorsal Hump Reduction.

Deviations of the caudal nasal septum can impact airflow and aesthetics. The anterior septal reconstruction (ASR) technique, a modification of extracorporeal septoplasty, addresses this issue while preserving a segment of the dorsal septum. When ASR is combined with dorsal hump reductions and osteotomies, the keystone may be destabilized. This study evaluates the outcomes of this intervention. Retrospective chart review. This is a retrospective study evaluating the functional and aesthetic outcomes of 58 patients who underwent ASR combined with dorsal hump reductions (with or without osteotomies). The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey Obstructive/Cosmetic (SCHNOS-O, SCHNOS-C) scores were measured and compared pre- and postoperatively. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of sex, gender, osteotomies, and trauma on outcomes. Mean improvement in NOSE, SCHNOS-O, and SCHNOS-C scores within the first 3 months after surgery were -41.8, -32.6, and -51.5 respectively (P < .05). At follow-up >9 months, these improvements were also significant for NOSE and SCHNOS-O scores and approached significance (P = .06) for SCHNOS-C scores. A subanalysis of patients who underwent osteotomies yielded functional and aesthetic improvements across all follow-up periods, all of which were significant with the exception of SCHNOS-O scores at >9 months (P = .1). In a multiple linear regression analysis, osteotomies contributed significantly to change in SCHNOS-C scores (β = -64.09, P = .001) at 3- to 9-month follow-up. The combination of ASR, hump take down, and osteotomies is safe and efficacious with implications for patients who seek correction of caudal septal deviations in conjunction with changes in external contour deformities. 3 Laryngoscope, 2020.

Extracorporeal Septoplasty-A Well Proven Technique for Treatment of Crooked Noses.

Crooked noses (noses with complex septal and pyramidal deviations) are an important challenge for both plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists. Extracorporeal septoplasty, described by Gubisch constitutes an effective solution to this problem. The article describes a series of 7 cases (5 males and 2 females) in which this method was used during open rhinoseptoplasty. The technique we used is described in detail. All the patients showed improvement of the nose appearance and good nasal air flow. Hypertrophy of the right inferior turbinate complicated one case, but was resolved with electro cauterization. Although the learning curve is slow and it claims the surgeon’s imagination, the method is sometimes the only solution in complex cases of septal deviation. Our short series demonstrates that good indication and careful dissection are prerequisites for success in difficult cases.

Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.

The safety and efficacy of extracorporeal septoplasty (ECS) has long been debated. Our objective was to determine this technique's functional and aesthetic outcomes and complications through a systematic review of the literature. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were evaluated for studies detailing functional or aesthetic outcomes of ECS. Bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) score. Aesthetic and functional outcomes in addition to complications were evaluated using subjective and objective measures. Meta-analyses were performed when appropriate. Seventeen studies encompassing 1418 patients were included. The average MINORS score for observational studies was 9.2. Overall there was a significant improvement in subjective nasal function with a preoperative average Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score of 75 (±16) decreasing to 19.5 (±16.5) postoperatively for a mean difference (MD) of -55 (95% confidence interval (CI): -60 to -49.5). In terms of objective nasal function, at 6 months postoperatively, there was an improvement of nasal flow measured by rhinometry ranging from 70 to 71% across studies. Anthropometric measurements were utilized for objective aesthetic outcomes. There was a significant improvement in I-shaped deviations (MD: -2.7°, 95% CI: -5.6 to -0.16) and C-shaped deviations improved by 11.9° (95% CI +2.8-+21.2). Complication rates ranged from 0 to 18%. ECS can achieve significant improvements in the subjective and objective function of the nose. The associated complication rate is low but variable between surgeons.