Postoperative Nose Research Articles

The Alar Extension Graft Technique for the Treatment of External Nasal Valve Collapse: Preliminary Results of a Single-Centre Prospective Analysis.

The aim of this study is to describe the efficacy of the alar extension graft for the correction of external nasal valve collapse and to evaluate the functional and aesthetic results. The study included 51 patients who underwent alar extension grafting for external nasal valve collapse. Pre- and post-operative rhinomanometry was performed before and after surgery. NOSE and SNOT 20 questionnaires were completed before and 9 months after surgery. Patients were also asked about their post-operative satisfaction. 90% of patients were subjectively satisfied with the post-operative improvement in nasal breathing. There was a significant improvement in the values of the pre- and post-operative NOSE and SNOT 20 questionnaire scores. Rhinomanometry showed increased nasal flow with a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-operative results. The alar extension graft has been proved to be effective and reliable in the surgical treatment of external nasal valve collapse, improving the patients' objective and subjective breathing with good functional and aesthetic results. 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 .

A Comparative Study of Correction of Caudal Septal Deviations.

There are multiple surgical approaches for the correction of caudal septal deviation. To compare the surgical outcomes of the widely used techniques of correction of caudal septal deviation. In a prospective study done over a period of 3 years, 36 patients with caudal septal deviation were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups of 12 each who underwent surgery by the following techniques: Group A - Swinging Door technique. Group B- Tongue-in-groove technique. Group C- The cutting and suture technique with unilateral bony batten grafting. The preoperative and postoperative (at 6 months) NOSE score, anterior rhinoscopy and subjective assessment were used to measure surgical outcomes and the techniques were compared. Out of the 36 patients, the mean NOSE score preoperatively and postoperatively were as follows. For Group A- 72.5 and 23.33. For Group B- 73.75 and 19.17. For Group C- 72 and 22. A significant improvement of mean 49.17, 54.58 and 50.00 with p-value of < 0.05 respectively. Anterior rhinoscopy done at 6 months postoperatively showed that 30 patients (83%) had a straight septum while 6 patients (17%) had some residual deviation. Subjective patient satisfaction was "much improved" in 17 (47.2%) patients, and "improved" in 19 (52.8%) patients. Four patients had postoperative synechia which were managed conservatively. Surgical correction of caudal septal deviation resulted in significant improvements in nasal airway. The tongue-in -groove technique was found to be the most effective among the three.

Comparison of Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty Techniques: Functional and Aesthetic Review of Subdorsal Septal Strip Methods.

Objective: To compare subdorsal strip excisions in patients undergoing dorsal preservation (DP) rhinoplasty using patient-related outcome measures (PROMS). Methods: Patients were treated from 2020 to 2022 using the modified subdorsal strip method (MSSM) or Z flap approach. A two-sample t-test determined whether there was a difference in functional and aesthetic scores using the NOSE, Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), SCHNOS, and ESS scales. Results: Seventy-one primary rhinoplasty patients met inclusion criteria at 12 months with an average age of 23 years (62 female, 9 male), with 35 (49%) undergoing the MSSM technique, while 36 (51%) receiving the Z flap. PROMS at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were compared. The average preoperative and postoperative NOSE score was 9.36 and -4.4 (standard deviation [SD] 3.1, p < 0.001). The average preoperative SNOT-22 score was 23.9 and -16.4 (SD 10.2, p < 0.001). ESS scores was average was 6.2 and -1.6 (SD 3.2, p = 0.01). The average SCHNOS total, functional, and cosmetic scores were 27.6 (6-47), 8.2 (0-20) and 18.7 (0-37), respectively, and -5.7 (SD 8.2, p < 0.001), -5.73 (SD 6.24, p < 0.001), -18.1 (SD 9.7, p < 0.001). No significant complications were found and no difference in PROMs among groups. Conclusion: There was no difference in septal strip techniques as evaluated by PROMS.

Is the relationship between SNOT-22 and NOSE and mucociliary clearance time an appropriate assessment method for functional outcomes of septorhinoplasty?

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate subjective and objective results after septorhinoplasty and to investigate the correlations between NOSE and SNOT-22 scales and saccharin clearance test (SCT) results. Patients and Methods: One hundred patients (37 males, 63 females; mean age: 26.4±8.4 years; range, 18 to 56 years) with nasal septal surgery indication were included in the study between January 2017 and January 2019. A SCT was applied to all cases preoperatively and in the first postoperative month, and SNOT-22 and NOSE questionnaires were filled. Results: No relationship was detected when the relationship between preoperative SCT and NOSE and SNOT-22 scores was evaluated. However, there was a statistically significant correlation between preoperative SNOT-22 scores and postoperative SCT values in 26% of the cases (r=0.260). Similarly, if the preoperative NOSE and SNOT-22 scores of the cases are low, it should be expected that the SCT value measured at the first postoperative month will be low, with a probability of 28% and 26%, respectively. As the preoperative NOSE value of the patients increased, the SNOT-22 value increased by 57.9% and 27.6%, respectively. Similarly, as the postoperative NOSE values increased, the postoperative SNOT-22 values increased by 51.8%. A positive relationship was found in all these bilateral correlations. According to the results obtained, the NOSE and SNOT-22 scores were 93% accurate and 98% acceptable. Conclusion: Although the statistically significant relationship between SCT results in the postoperative period and SNOT-22 and NOSE is a remarkable finding, there is a need for future studies that also evaluate long-term results to make more precise comments on this issue.

Navigating the post-operative nose as a primary care physician

Navigating the post-operative nose as a primary care physician

Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Versus Conventional Septoplasty.

The most common cause of nasal obstruction is a deviated nasal septum. It causes breathing difficulties and may eventually also cause sinusitis, epistaxis, sleep disturbances and snoring. The traditional surgeries of the nasal septum improve the nasal airway but do not fulfil the essential criteria in most instances. Endoscopic septoplasty is a fast-developing concept and gaining popularity as it provides a direct targeted approach to the septal anatomic deformity allowing a minimally invasive procedure under excellent visualization. The aim of this study is to compare the post-operative morbidity among conventional and endoscopic septoplasty. The present prospective study was conducted on 50 patients having deviated nasal septum. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 25 each. Out of 50 patients, in 25 patients (Group A) Conventional septoplasty was done, whereas in other 25 patients (Group B) endoscopic septoplasty was done. The patients were followed up post-operatively at 2weeks, 4weeks and 8weeks. Study Design: comparative study. The mean of operating time (min) in Group A was 60.47 ± 8.16 which was significantly higher as compared to Group B (39.7 ± 6.73). (p value < .0001). The Mean of blood loss (mL) was significantly higher in Group A (88.67 ± 8.77) as compared to Group B. (54.6 ± 7.18). (p value < .0001). Post-operative NOSE score at one month was 7.33 ± 1.5 in group A which was significantly higher as compared to Group B (5 ± 1.41). (p value = 0.0007) whereas post-operative NOSE score at 3months in Group A was 6.53 ± 1.25 which was significantly higher as compared to Group B (4.4 ± 1.78). Proportion of post-operative complications was comparable in Group A and Group B (No complication 80% vs. 92% respectively). According to the present study, both the conventional and endoscopic septoplasty procedures were effective in relieving nasal obstruction in the patients. Endoscopic septoplasty showed significantly better result than conventional septoplasty in terms of time taken for surgery, blood loss during the surgery, post-operative complications and in terms of quality of life as assessed by NOSE Score.

Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes Following Spreader Graft Placement in Deviated Noses: A 5 Year Experience

Aim: To describe the functional and aesthetic outcome following rhinoplasty using spreader grafts in post traumatic deviated noses. Design: Rretrospective cohort study Place and duration of study: July 2017 to August 2022 Methods A retrospective data analysis of patients was done who had undergone Rhinoplasty for post traumatic deviated noses using spreader grafts from July 2017 to August 2022. Patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty, incomplete description of preoperative deformities and per operative maneuvers to correct the deformities, and incomplete photographic record were excluded. The study population consisted of 11 female patients and 19 male patients. Mean (Standard Deviation) age of the patients was 30 (8) years (range 16-48 years). The follow up post-operatively was from 12 - 26 months (mean, 15±3 months). Postoperative aesthetic outcome was assessed by the patient him/her self and 2 independent surgeons using pre and postoperative photographs. Functional outcomes and complications were also evaluated. Results: Study by two plastic surgeons found that out of the total 30 patients 22 had no post operative residual deformity, 7 had residual deformity not requiring revision and only 1 patient had a residual deformity that would require revision surgery. The patient outcome showed that out of the total 30 patients 20 were satisfied with their postoperative result, 9 thought that their postoperative nose was better than their preoperative nose and 1 patient was dissatisfied with the postoperative result. Over all the obstructive symptoms improved after surgery and only two patients complained of unilateral partial nasal obstruction at one year follow up. No complication occurred in any patient. Practical implication Conclusion: We conclude that the use of spreader graft as we have achieved good functional as well as precise aesthetic results, without recurrence of the problem. This will open new gateways in world of aesthetics and reconstruction . Keywords: Spreader grafts, nasal valve collapse, deviated nasal septum, post operative assessment.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MANAGEMENT OF SEPTOPLASTY WITH AND WITHOUT ANTIBIOTIC COVER POSTOPERATIVELY

Objective: The septum is the cartilage that divides the nostrils of the nose. It usually lies in the middle and equally separates the nostrils. However, this is not the case with all. Many individuals have a septum that is uneven, causing one nostril to be bigger than the other. A deviated septum is a severe unevenness. It may lead to health problems including a plugged nose or trouble breathing. The aim of the study was to study role of the antibiotics in post-operative period after septoplasty and to compare complications with and without pre- and post-operative antibiotics. Methods: It was a prospective longitudinal and comparative type study. The present study was carried out on 60 patients with microscopically evident deviated nasal septum and was listed for septoplasty. Patients were divided into three groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. Alternate patients were randomized in Group A, Group B, and Group C, respectively, with each group is 20 patients. The study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, during the period of January 2019 to December 2020. Results: The present study included 60 patients among them 39 were male (65%) and 21 female (35%) with a male to female ratio of 1.85:1. In the present study, while analyzing pre-operative NOSE score, it showed that maximum 37 (61.7%) patients showed significant problem (3). Mild (1) and Moderate (2) problem was observed in 8 (13.3%) and 6 (10%) patients, respectively. Severe (4) problem was observed in 9 (15%) patients. Post-operative NOSE score showed a significant improvement after septoplasty in almost every case irrespective of groups. Conclusion: We conclude that infections after elective nasal surgery in healthy patients rarely occur, making routine antibiotic prophylaxis redundant. Patients who are immunocompromised, those with valvular heart disease, or patients otherwise susceptible to infections should receive antimicrobial prophylaxis even for simple procedures, as bacteremia may occur during nasal procedures.

Composite Tissue Columella Wedge Excision for Nasal Tip Overprojection.

The overprojected nasal tip is a challenge in facial surgery. Although several techniques are available, none has been proven to be superior. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel approach to overcome nasal tip overprojection and to evaluate its safety and efficacy. All patients with protruding nasal tip who underwent correction by means of a novel columella wedge technique were included in this study. In addition to detailed description of the novel surgical approach, its efficacy was analyzed by comparison of preoperative and postoperative nose dimensions. In addition, patients were examined during follow-up, and complication and revision rates were determined. Forty-two patients were included in this study. Columella wedge technique involved resection of a 2- to 5-mm section of the middle part of the columella. Postoperatively, nose projection and length decreased by 9 and 12 percent, respectively. The relation between projection and length of the nose changed from 0.68 preoperatively to 0.61 postoperatively. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). After a mean follow-up of 28 months (range, 6 to 144 months), revision operations were necessary in seven patients (16.7 percent). No instabilities, impairment of breathing, or other complications occurred. The introduced columella wedge technique is efficient and safe for correction of the overprojected nasal tip. Therapeutic, IV.

Long-Term Outcomes of Nasoseptal Perforation Repair Using Anterior Maxillary Sinus Wall as an Interpositional Graft.

Various graft materials have been used to repair nasoseptal perforation, but there is no standardized treatment method. The anterior maxillary sinus wall is flattened in appearance and can be easily obtained in a sufficient amount for a large-sized nasoseptal perforation. The aim of this study is to determine whether the anterior maxillary sinus wall is suitable as an interpositional graft in the surgical repair of septal or nasoseptal perforation. This is a retrospective review of 21 patients who underwent repair of nasoseptal perforation using anterior maxillary sinus wall as an interpositional graft. The etiology, pre- and post-operative NOSE and GBI score, and perforation size were reviewed. The surgical outcome was considered successful if total closure was achieved after postoperative follow-up. 19 of the 21 perforations were successfully repaired with anterior maxillary sinus wall. Failure of the repair was found in 2 patients. Causal etiology of perforation was previous septoplasty in 10 patients, and electrocautery in 1 case, but not identified in 10 cases. The largest size was 2.7 × 2.2 cm. The most common symptoms were epistaxis, crusting, and nasal obstruction. Closure of septal perforation resulted in improved subjective symptoms and quality of life which were evaluated with NOSE and GBI score. Anterior maxillary sinus wall as interpositional graft between mucoperichondrial flaps can be used to reliably repair nasoseptal perforations.

A Useful Approach to I-Shaped Crooked Nose Correction: Cross-Spreader Graft Technique.

Correction of crooked nose with long-term functional and aesthetic success remains a great challenge for rhinoplasty surgeons. The aim of this study was to present the aesthetic and functional results of the cross-spreader graft technique applied for the correction of I-shaped crooked nose. A retrospective examination was made of 25 patients applied with open technique rhinoplasty using cross-spreader graft for the correction of I-shaped crooked nose between March 2016 and June 2019. The functional results of the patients were evaluated using the Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation scale. The Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation was used to evaluate the subjective aesthetic results, and the external nose deviation angle was measured from the frontal aspect to evaluate the objective aesthetic results. Evaluation was made of 25 patients comprising 11 males and 14 females with a mean age of 26.64±7.08 years. The post-operative mean NOSE and ROE scores were significantly improved compared to the preoperative values (p<0.001). A statistically significant improvement was determined in the deviation angle values from preoperative to postoperative (p< 0.001). According to the current study functional and aesthetic results of the cross-spreader graft technique applied for the correction of I-shaped crooked nose, this new technique appears to be an effective method for the treatment of I-shaped crooked nose deformity. 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 .

A comparison of an absorbable nasal implant versus functional rhinoplasty for nasal obstruction

PurposeAn absorbable nasal implant for the treatment lateral nasal wall collapse was approved for use in patients with nasal obstruction. It remains to be seen whether this treatment is equivalent to open techniques for the treatment of nasal valve incompetence from collapsibility. Materials and methodsTwo groups were analyzed for the study. One group had surgery which included the implant, septoplasty, and inferior turbinate submucous reduction and the other group had a variety of functional rhinoplasty techniques for lateral wall insufficiency in addition to septoplasty and inferior turbinate submucous reduction. NOSE and SNOT-22 were used to demonstrate pre and post-operative changes. ResultsNinety total patients were identified. Fifty patients underwent insertion of an absorbable nasal implant and 40 underwent a traditional open technique to stabilize the LNW. For the implant group the mean NOSE score was 63.4 (SD 24) and post-operative was 22.9 (SD 19.9), in addition, the SNOT-22 score was 38.8 (SD 19.8) and post-operative was 18.5 (SD 15.2). For the open rhinoplasty group, the mean NOSE score was 57.9 (SD 23.2) and post-operative was 17.6 (SD 16.4). The SNOT-22 score was 33.6 (SD 14.9) and post-operative score was 11.5 (SD 15.2) The delta between pre and post-operative NOSE and SNOT-22 test were not different at an average of 3.95 months post-operatively between the groups (NOSE, P = 0.94 and SNOT-22, p = 0.53). ConclusionIn patients with multiple structural causes of nasal obstruction, including lateral wall insufficiency, insertion of an absorbable nasal implant, to support the LNW, seems to be equally effective as functional rhinoplasty techniques over a 4 month timeframe.

Geriatric Sinus Surgery: A Review of Demographic Variables, Surgical Success and Complications in Elderly Surgical Patients.

ObjectiveDemonstrate feasibility, safety and outcome metrics of geriatric sinus surgery (GESS).Study DesignRetrospective review of patients undergoing sinus surgery for indication of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis.SettingTertiary referral center.ParticipantsPatients who underwent FESS from 2008–2017; excluding skull base, craniofacial, or oncologic surgery. Primary study group were patients aged 65 years and older. Patients aged 40–64 years of age were included for comparison.Main Outcomes and Measures: Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independently associated patient characteristics and perioperative variables. Preoperative medical and treatment history, revision and primary surgery, preoperative and post-operative SNOT-22 and NOSE scores, Lund-McKay scores were recorded when available. Post-operative data was assessed at a minimum of two months after the index procedure. Post-operative complications were included.ResultsNinety-one (91) patients met criteria. 21.2% of the geriatric patients were taking systemic anticoagulation prior to surgery, and underwent treatment with nasal steroids (25.0%), oral antibiotics (67.7%), nasal irrigations (48.4%), and systemic steroids (37.5%) over an average of 7.3 months prior to surgery. There was an average post-operative reduction of 15.0 points (p < 0.0001) and 42.5 points (p = 0.0008) for SNOT-22 and NOSE scores, respectively. Average operative time was 117.4 minutes in geriatric patients compared to 183.4 minutes in younger patients (p = 0.004), with an average estimated blood loss of 55.6 milliliters (mL) compared to younger patients (111.8 mL) (p = 0.04). Linear regression identified revision surgery as associated with reductions in Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores (p = 0.011). Geriatric patients had a shorter operative time (p = 0.011) while male sex was associated with a longer operative time (p = 0.014). Patients over 65 had fewer minor complications (p = 0.01), and there were no major complications in either group.Conclusions and RelevanceGeriatric sinus surgery is effective and safe in this cohort of patients.

Comparison of Preoperative and Postoperative Nose Scores in Septal Deviation

Comparison of Preoperative and Postoperative Nose Scores in Septal Deviation

Comparative Study Between Crushing Technique and Lateral Laminectomy of Middle Turbinate as Auxiliary Management in PatientsWho Underwent Septoplasty with Concha Bullosa.

The aim is to compare two commonly performed surgical techniques, lateral resection and crushing for Concha Bullosa (CB) as auxiliary management in patients who underwent septoplasty.InPatients diagnosed with DNS and CB, using endoscopy and Computerized Tomography, NOSE score was calculated. All patients underwent septoplasty and depending upon the surgical method followed for CB, patients allotted in two groups. In group A, crushing of middle turbinate was performed using Blakesley forceps and in group B, lateral resection of CB was done. Postoperative NOSE scores were calculated at 6months and outcomes were compared. Both the surgical methods were highly effective in the management of CB. All patients had significant improvement in the NOSE score when compared with the preoperative values. Two patients in group B developed synechia between the turbinate and lateral wall. However, the superiority of one method over the othercould not be established statistically. CB is a common anomaly in anatomy of nose and paranasal sinus. It frequently coexists with DNS and may cause sinus problems if it is over-pneumatised. In such cases, surgical correction is warranted. Crushing of MT and lateral resection are two commonly performed methods, both are equally effective, but the crushing technique has an advantage of mucosal preservation and less postoperative complications.

Mattress Suture Technique for Caudal Septum Dislocations in Open and Endonasal Septoplasty: Which Approach is Better?

Various techniques have been described to correct caudal septum dislocations but the issue has not been resolved conclusively. This study aimed to describe a suture technique that can be used to correct and stabilize the caudal septum on the maxillary spine and also to evaluate the effects on patientsymptoms. Fifty-two patients with caudal septal dislocation were included in this study. Nineteen of the patients underwent open septoplasty and 33 patients underwent endonasal septoplasty. The caudal cartilage septums were fixed to the maxillary spine with horizontal mattress suturing in all patients. The patient followed up between 3 and 24th month. The modified "NOSE" survey was used to assess surgical outcome in all patients. The degree of septal correction was also classified. Complete correction was achieved in the postoperative period in 96% of the patients. The status was near complete correction in 2 (3.8%) of the patients. But in these 2 patients, degree of caudal septal dislocation was corrected from severe to moderate after surgery and the fixation suture side is correct and stable. Postoperative modified NOSE survey scores were lower than the preoperative scores in all open and endonasal septoplasty groups (P <0.05). NOSE 2 (nasal blockage or obstruction) and NOSE 4 (trouble sleeping) scores were higher in patients with higher follow-up duration in open septoplasty group. Suturing technique is quite suitable for caudal septum dislocations and can easily be used in open and endonasal septoplasty. This suture reduces postoperative NOSE scores and the patients are satisfied with the results of the surgery. The septal stability may decrease in open septoplasty group with the longer post-operative duration. However, wide exposure can be ensured with an open septorhinoplasty approach. We concluded that it will be better to use endonasal septoplasty in appropriate cases and suture with nonabsorbable sutures.

Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Volume and Physiology of Nasal Cavity After Septhorhinoplasty.

In this study, the authors aimed to compare the nasal physiology and nasal cavity volume with three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) 1 year after the operation with the values before the operation to investigate the possible narrowing and loss of function in the nasal cavity after septorhinoplasty (SRP) operation. Of 415 patients who had a primary SRP operation, 28 patients who met the criteria were included in the study. Nasal cavity volumes of patients with postoperative CTs were measured three-dimensionally after a mean 13 months, and objective rhinologic measurements (rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flow [PNIF]) and subjective assessment methods (Visual Analog Scale [VAS], Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation [NOSE]) were performed. The mean postoperative VAS and PNIF values of the patients were significantly higher than the mean preoperative values. The mean postoperative NOSE value of the patients was significantly lower than the mean preoperative values. Although the mean MCA-1 and MCA-2 levels of the patients increased postoperatively, the increase was not significant. Although the postoperative mean values of VOL-1 and VOL-2 increased compared with the preoperative values, the increase was not significant. In the CT measurements of the patients, the nasal cavity volumes were significantly higher than the preoperative values. Nasal cavity volumes in patients undergoing SRP were compared with 3D-CT for the first time in the literature, and a significant increase in nasal volume was observed in the postoperative first year. This finding suggests that the correction of intranasal problems leads to an increase in the nasal volume in SRP operations, although nasal osteotomy is performed.

Functional and aesthetic results after septorhinoplasty and concomitant radiofrequency of the inferior turbinate: is there a role for patient reported outcome measures (PROMs)?

Functional and aesthetic results after septorhinoplasty (SRP) are often not clearly demonstrated. There is still an open topic in the literature about analysis of aesthetic, functional results and patients' satisfaction after SRP. The aim of our study is to determine patients' satisfaction after SRP and concomitant radiofrequency of the inferior turbinate (RF) regarding nose appearance and improvement of symptoms, using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). ROE questionnaire and the NOSE scale were used for a retrospective evaluation to assess patient's satisfaction in 369 patients undergoing SRP surgery from 2003 to 2016. Two additional questions were asked to confirm satisfaction following surgery. 258 patients completed the questionnaires (71.7%). The global average ROE score was 18.14 (75.6%). The percentage of satisfaction of aesthetic result was 87.3%, in particular 10.5% were very happy, 57% very much satisfied and 19.8% moderately satisfied. The global post-operative average NOSE score was 13.1 with the resolution of nasal obstruction in 72.1% cases and a marked improvement in 9.3%. The results of the two additional questions showed that 81% of patients would undergo the procedure again if required and 72.1% of patients were globally satisfied. Our study demonstrates the utility of PROMs in evaluating aesthetic and functional results after SRP and simultaneous RF. In our series, the patients undergoing SRP and RF are generally satisfied by the functional and aesthetic results. This kind of assessments should be the most common post-operative evaluation methods in this surgery.

Transcutaneous Columellar Strut for Correcting Caudal Nasal Septal Deviation

Correction of caudal septal deviation is a challenging issue because of its significant role in tip support mechanisms. Some interventions especially aggressive resection of caudal septum to correct deviation, may compromise external nasal valve, tip ptosis and persistence of nasal obstruction. Many surgical techniques have been suggested to correct this type of nasal septal deviation. This study presents a technique to correct caudal septal deviation without weakening of tip support mechanisms. To evaluate the efficacy of insertion of a transcutaneous columellar strut during correction of caudal septal deviation. The study was performed in patients complaining from nasal obstruction with caudal septal deviation. After intranasal incision and elevation of mucoperichondrial flap, Caudal septum released from anterior nasal spine (ANS) and a band of cartilage removed from inferior and caudal part of septum and septum again fixed to ANS. Through a vertical transcutaneous incision, a cartilaginous strut is placed in columella, between medial crurae. Preoperative and postoperative NOSE score determined and photographs were taken. In 14 patients we performed this technique, the postoperative NOSE score showed significant improvement, (p = 0.001). Nasal breathing improved in all patients without any complication or tip ptosis or worsening of nasal appearance. This septoplasty technique along with placement of transcolumellar strut, is an easy, efficient and complication free method for simultaneously correction of caudal deviation of nasal septum, reinforcing external nasal valve and prevents tip ptosis.

The role of septoplasty in the management of nasal septum fracture: a randomized quality of life study

Fracture of the nasal septum is a common injury. Fracture reduction using Ash forceps is the standard treatment for non-severely comminuted cases. In this study, septoplasty was compared to Ash forceps reduction of nasal septum fractures with regard to the quality of life outcome of patient breathing. Thirty consecutive patients with non-comminuted septal fractures were divided randomly into two groups. In group I, fractures were managed by closed reduction (using Ash forceps), while in group II, fractures were managed by septoplasty surgery. Each patient completed a validated quality of life scale for breathing (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, NOSE) preoperatively and at 3 months postoperative. In group I, the mean difference between postoperative and preoperative NOSE scores was −28.33 (range −40 to −15), while in group II the mean difference was −44.33 (range −70 to −30). There was a significant improvement in nasal breathing quality of life in group II compared with group I (t-test, P=0.001). The results of this study showed a significant improvement in quality of life outcome with the use of septoplasty compared to closed reduction for acute septal fractures. Septoplasty could be recommended for patients with acute nasoseptal fractures to ensure better nasal breathing outcomes.