Olfactory cleft stenosis and obstruction on paranasal sinus CT scan in pre-septo-rhinoplasty patients: normal variants or pathologic findings?

OBJECTIVE(S): To determine the frequency of olfactory cleft (OC) stenosis and obstruction on paranasal sinus CT scans in pre-septorhinoplasty of patients who had septal deviation, septopyramidal deformation or nasal obstruction without other sinonasal conditions. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients referred to our institution between December 2013 and December 2021 for septorhinoplasty due to nasal obstruction without other sinonasal or neurological conditions. All patients underwent preoperative paranasal sinus CT scan and olfactory testing. OC stenosis was quoted as none, partial, or total (less than 1/3 contact between nasal septum and ethmoid turbinates, 1/3-2/3, more than 2/3, respectively), as well as OC obstruction as none, partial, or complete (obstruction of less than 1/3 of OC, 1/3-2/3, more than 2/3, respectively). Radiologic evaluation was validated by near perfect interobserver agreement. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients (32 women, 43 men) with a mean age of 44.2 ± 15.64 (23-74) years were included, of which 36 were normosmic and 39 hyposmic. OC stenosis was partial in 58.7% (n = 44) of the patients, absent in 28% (n = 21), and total in 13.3% (n = 10), without difference between normosmic and hyposmic patients (p = .66). OC obstruction was absent in 52% (n = 39) and partial in 46.7% (n = 35), without difference between normosmic and hyposmic patients (p = .51). Only one normosmic patient had complete OC obstruction. CONCLUSION: OC partial stenosis and partial obstruction were frequent findings in pre-septorhinoplasty patients without respiratory mucosa disease and did not influence their olfactory status. Total stenosis and complete obstruction were rarer and require further investigation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Isolated partial olfactory cleft stenosis and obstruction should be considered normal variants, whereas the impact of complete olfactory cleft stenosis and obstruction on patient's olfactory status remains to be determined. KEY POINTS: • The incidence of olfactory cleft stenosis and obstruction in asymptomatic patients remains unknown, even though it is encountered in clinical practice. • Partial and total olfactory cleft stenosis occurred in 58.7% and 13.3% of the patients; partial obstruction occurred in half of the cases, but complete obstruction was extremely rare. • There are frequent findings of partial olfactory cleft obstruction and stenosis, but complete obstruction and total stenosis should be further investigated.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty through minimal invasive nose thread procedures: Adverse effects and prevention methods.

BACKGROUND: This review addresses the intricacies of non-surgical rhinoplasty, particularly focusing on the utilization of absorbable sutures known as "Volumizing threads" in combination with fillers. The aim is to explore the enhanced precision of nasal contouring offered by these combined procedures compared to sole filler injections. METHODS: Through comprehensive clinical cases, this article scrutinizes the landscape of adverse effects and their prevention strategies associated with minimal invasive nose thread procedures. The discussion emphasizes various complications, including thread protrusion, migration, infections, skin dimpling, and granuloma formation, along with their respective management approaches. RESULTS: This article delineates cases of complications arising from thread placement, ranging from visibility issues to skin infections and granuloma formation. It highlights instances of thread visibility, oral mucosa protrusion, skin infections, dimpling, and granuloma formation. Additionally, it outlines the corresponding management strategies, accentuating the criticality of early intervention to preclude severe complications in non-surgical rhinoplasty involving nose threads. CONCLUSION: Non-surgical rhinoplasty, leveraging nose thread procedures, offers heightened precision compared to conventional filler injections. However, the review underscores the importance of recognizing potential risks and promptly addressing complications like thread extrusion, migration, and infections. Understanding these complexities in non-surgical rhinoplasty aids in informed decision-making and efficient patient care.

A Retrospective Analysis of Patient Satisfaction With a Graft-Based Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Procedure Using a Modified Surgical Rhinoplasty Module.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty, also known as liquid or injection rhinoplasty, utilizes hyaluronic acid-based fillers to offer a minimally invasive alternative to surgical rhinoplasty. Patient goals for injection rhinoplasty include improving various aspects of their nose, including the bridge of the nose, tip of the nose, shape of the nose in profile, and how well the nose suits the face. The purpose of this study is to use a modified surgical rhinoplasty questionnaire to analyze patient satisfaction and adverse complication rates of the authors' non-surgical injection rhinoplasty technique using a hyaluronic acid-based filler. A retrospective data analysis of 56 patients who had received a graft-based non-surgical rhinoplasty procedure between January 2019 and December 2019 was conducted. All procedures were performed at a single center by the primary investigator. Participants completed a questionnaire to assess for preoperative and postoperative satisfaction with their nose using a visual analog scale and modified "FACE-Q" module. Two-tailed paired t-tests and confidence intervals were calculated using bootstrapping/resampling techniques. Visual analog scale results depict a paired median difference of 4, yielding a P-value of 0.00001. Results illustrate that using a graft-based non-surgical rhinoplasty technique presents a promising alternative to surgical rhinoplasty that significantly improves patient satisfaction with their nose while ensuring minimal complication rates. Over 98% of patients indicated feeling "somewhat" or "very likely" to repeat the procedure. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(1):1292-1296.     doi:10.36849/JDD.7073.

The Two-Stage Folded Paramedian Forehead Flap Without Cartilage Grafts for Full Thickness Distal Nasal Defects: A Review of 35 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Full thickness defects of the ala, soft triangle, and nasal tip involving the nasal lining have traditionally been repaired with the three-stage folded paramedian forehead flap (FPFF), with a cartilage graft for support. For similar defects, the authors utilize the two-stage FPFF without cartilaginous support which provides reproducible functional and aesthetic results.  Objective: To describe the authors’ experience with the two-stage FPFF, including outcomes, complications, and design modifications to enhance functional and aesthetic success.  Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective database review of FPFF was performed at two sites. Using postoperative photographs, outcomes were assessed by blinded non-investigator dermatologist raters using a modified observer scar assessment scale. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were reconstructed using the two-stage FPFF without cartilage grafts. Subjective assessment of scar vascularity, pigment, relief, and thickness by 3 independent reviewers yielded an overall cosmesis score of 8.4±1.9 (out of 40). CONCLUSION: The two-stage FPFF without cartilage grafts is a reliable, cosmetically elegant repair that can provide optimal functional and aesthetic results for complex unilateral distal nose defects.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4): doi:10.36849/JDD.7358.

Nasolabial morphological changes in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate using a Korat-modified nasoalveolar moulding appliance with primary correction.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to measure the morphological changes of the nose and lip in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate before and after cheiloplasty with primary rhinoplasty (primary correction) in conjunction with Korat-NAM usage. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Cleft Center Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. SUBJECTS: Twenty-six patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. INTERVENTIONS: Control group: only active obturator before primary correction. Experimental group: an active obturator and Korat-NAM I before primary correction. A customized endotracheal tube was retained in the nostril for 3 weeks before switching to Korat-NAM II for 1 year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Six measurements comprising nostril rim length, nostril height, nostril sill width, columella angle, vertical lip height, and horizontal lip length were measured from the patients' photographs. All measurements, except the columella angle, were reported as the cleft side/non-cleft side value ratio. Measurements were taken at the initial appointment, immediately before, 3 weeks after, and 1 year after primary correction. RESULTS: Nostril rim length ratio, nostril height ratio, nostril sill width ratio, columella angle on the cleft side, and vertical lip height ratio were improved using Korat-NAM before and 3 weeks after primary correction. Nostril rim length and height ratios were significantly better than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Korat-NAM improved nose and lip morphology before primary correction. An overcorrection improved the nose and lip morphology on the cleft side. The nostril rim length and vertical lip height on the cleft side also improved with Korat-NAM II 1 year after primary correction.

Prospective study of nasal growth in bilateral cleft lip and palate patients after naso-alveolar moulding and primary columella lengthening compared to controls at 5, 10 and 20 years.

INTRODUCTION: A short columella, wide nostrils and a flat nasal tip are common features in patients with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCLP). The objective of this study was to evaluate nasal morphology during growth in patients treated with naso-alveolar moulding (NAM) and primary surgical columella lengthening (PCL) compared with matched non-cleft individuals. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal case-control study. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four consecutively treated BCLP patients at 5 and 10 years and at the end of growth (19.7 ± 2.0 years) were compared through normalized photogrammetry to a control of 34 age and sex-matched non-cleft individuals. Regression Models for Panel Data assessed how nasal measurements were influenced by surgery, age and gender. RESULTS: Nasal protrusion was equal to non-cleft controls at all ages. Length of the columella was also comparable to controls at 5 and 10 years, but significantly shorter at the end of growth. Inter-alar and nasal tip width and nasolabial angle were significantly wider than controls at all ages: More than 60% of the patients have asked for correction of the nasal width, but no early surgery for columella lengthening was needed. CONCLUSIONS: NAM and PCL have provided a nasal projection close to that of non-cleft individuals until adulthood, while length of the columella was physiological at 5 and 10, but shorter than controls at age 20. Width of the nasal tip and width of the alar bases were significantly wider than the controls and eventually required secondary nasal width correction in over two thirds of the sample.

Lateral Margin Graft for Minimizing Visible Lateral Margin on Radix Using Autologous Rib Cartilage in Asian Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Visible lateral margin (VLM) after rhinoplasty is considered one of the potential complications. PURPOSE: The purpose is to assess the suitability of implementing a lateral margin graft (LMG) to mitigate the occurrence of a VLM during augmentation rhinoplasty with autologous rib cartilage. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This is a retrospective cohort study between January 2016 and April 2022 in a private clinic. The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent augmentation rhinoplasty for esthetic purposes using autologous rib cartilage. Patients who received allogenic tissue grafts or alloplastic materials, those with systemic diseases, and pregnant or breastfeeding females were excluded. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The primary predictor variable is the implementation or nonimplementation of an LMG. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: The primary outcome variable is the esthetic satisfaction and the degree of minimization of the VLM when LMG is implemented and when it is not. Therefore, to understand the esthetic satisfaction, the author used the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire, and to understand the degree of minimization of the VLM, the author measured the lateral margin visibility score (LMVS) using a 5-point Likert scale score. COVARIATES: The evaluated covariates included sex, age at surgery, number of previous rhinoplasties, purpose of surgery, and postoperative complications. ANALYSES: The data were analyzed using the independent sample t test, paired t test, one-way analysis of variance test. A significance level of P < .05 was employed for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 69 consecutive patients were included in the study, divided into groups 1 (21 patients without LMG) and 2 (48 patients with LMG). Postoperative ROE scores increased by 15.31 ± 4.03 in group 1 and 22.60 ± 6.77 in group 2 compared to preoperative ROE scores (P < .001). In the patients' LMVS, group 1 had a score of 2.48 ± 0.81, while group 2 had a score of 3.06 ± 0.76 points (P = .009). In the surgeons' LMVS, surgeon 1 indicated scores of 2.38 ± 0.74 and 2.94 ± 0.89 points, respectively (P = .007). Furthermore, surgeon 2 indicated scores of 2.28 ± 0.72 and 2.90 ± 0.83 points, respectively (P = .002). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: When performing rhinoplasty using autologous rib cartilage, the use of an LMG can minimize the VLM, which increases patient satisfaction and surgical completeness.

The Effect of Cold Saline Irrigation of Dissection Planes in Rhinoplasty on Postoperative Edema and Ecchymosis.

BACKGROUND: Periorbital edema and ecchymosis are frequently encountered after rhinoplasty and may be distressing to patients. Cold therapy is frequently employed in rhinoplasty to reduce postoperative edema and ecchymosis. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cold saline irrigation (CSI) of dissection planes in rhinoplasty on postoperative edema and ecchymosis. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: The investigators designed a retrospective cohort study. The data of patients who underwent rhinoplasty in our clinic between January 2021 and January 2023 were scanned. Patients who underwent primary open rhinoplasty from the same surgeon and standard rhinoplasty steps were applied in the same way and order were included in the study. Patients who had systemic diseases and previous nose surgery, and patients whose photographs could not be accessed from the photograph archive were excluded. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: According to whether CSI was applied to the dissection plans during rhinoplasty, the patients were divided into the CSI group and the control group (without CSI). MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: Patients' grades of periorbital edema and ecchymosis were the main outcome variables. The differences of outcome variables were compared between the 2 groups. COVARIATES: Demographics (age, sex), and surgical detail (duration of surgery) were collected as covariates. ANALYSES: The numerical variables were compared between the two groups using the student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, whereas the categorical variables were compared using Pearson's χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among the 167 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 60 patients were randomly selected, 30 patients in each group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age (P = .45) and sex (P = .27). The mean ecchymosis grade was statistically significant lower in the CSI group than in the control group for all evaluation times (P < .05). Similarly, the mean edema grade was statistically significant lower in the CSI group than in the control group for all evaluation times, with the exception of the 10th and 15th day (P < .05). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: CSI of the dissection planes in rhinoplasty reduced the development of periorbital edema and ecchymosis. This procedure is straightforward, inexpensive, and effective.

Comparison of Clinical Results of Crescent-Shaped Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) and Granulated Rib Cartilage for Filling The Nasal Base to correct Midface Depressions.

Objective: The center of the face plays an important role in the fullness of our facial contours, however, sunken center of the face is more common in Asians than in Europeans and Americans. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and rib cartilage are commonly used to fill the nasal base to improve the hollowing of the center of the face. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of crescent-shaped expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) with granulated rib cartilage for nasal base filling to treat midface depressions. Methods: Fifty-one patients with mild to moderate midface depression and normal occlusion admitted to our department from June 2017 to August 2020 were selected. Comprehensive rhinoplasty was performed, which included nasal base filling using crescentic e-PTFE or granulated rib cartilage. They are all women, with an average age of 27.4 years. The e-PTFE group (group A) had 27 cases, while the granulated rib cartilage group (group B) had 24. Changes in two face parameters, the wing ear line and facial convexity, were measured and recorded based on preoperative and postoperative photographs of the patients and using 3D imaging technology. Postoperative complications and satisfaction were assessed by questionnaires to compare the two surgical approaches' differences, advantages, and disadvantages. Results: Postoperative midface depression improved significantly in 51 patients. Most of the patients who underwent both procedures showed significant improvement in the wing ear line and facial convexity. The 3D imaging has also helped us to more objectively assess the changes in midface concavity. Some patients experienced acute discomfort, such as foreign body sensation and stiffness in the surgical area, for the first three months after nasal base filler surgery. Still, these symptoms resolved on their own within six months. Most patients (92.6% in group A and 91.6% in group B) felt that they had natural facial expressions and were satisfied with the filler results. Conclusion: The use of crescentic e-PTFE and granular rib cartilage to fill the nasal base is easy to operate and has a quick postoperative recovery, allowing for good postoperative results. However, after some of the granular rib cartilage filling treatments, the height of the nasal base was lowered, which may be connected to its limited structural support, ease of displacement, and resorption. Crescentic e-PTFE is superior to granular rib cartilage in terms of both morphology and mechanical support. The crescentic e-PTFE filling method provides rapid postoperative recovery and good shape maintenance, but local stiffness is more pronounced than in the granular rib cartilage group. This may help the plastic surgeon's choice of surgical procedure.

Nasal ala V-Y island flap with a superior vascular pedicle based on inferior perforators of the superior alar artery.

For small defects of the anterior nasal ala, a V-Y pedicle advancement flap within the subunit is a useful repair option. Here we propose a modification of this technique, utilising careful dissection to identify inferior perforators of the superior alar artery. Basing this flap on a visualised vascular pedicle aims to prevent common complications of internal mucosal buckling and free margin notching, by allowing more extensive dissection without compromising the vascularity of the flap.

Evaluating post-rhinoplasty nasal obstruction treatment: The efficacy of VivAer radiofrequency ablation.

PURPOSE: Nasal obstruction is a prevalent issue affecting up to one-third of adults, often requiring surgical intervention. Low-temperature radiofrequency (RF) treatment, specifically VivAer, has emerged as a promising alternative, especially for the treatment of nasal valve collapse (NVC). However, its efficacy in patients with a history of rhinoplasty or nasal valve repair remains unexplored. METHODS: A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted on 37 patients with a history of rhinoplasty or nasal valve repair who underwent VivAer RF treatment. Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. The primary outcome was defined as a decrease in NOSE score by at least one severity category or a 20 % reduction in total NOSE score. RESULTS: The study found a statistically significant average reduction in NOSE score of 22.4 points or 36.6 %. Among patients with a positive treatment response (21 patients or 56.8 %), the average NOSE score reduction was 34.7 points or 55.6 %. Repeat RF treatment in non-responders resulted in a 50 % response rate. No significant difference was observed in treatment outcomes based on the type of prior rhinoplasty or NVC. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature-controlled RF treatment with VivAer can effectively alleviate nasal obstruction in patients with a history of rhinoplasty or nasal valve repair, offering a viable alternative to revision surgery. The study also highlights the potential benefit of repeat RF treatment in non-responders. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to validate these promising results and expand the treatment options for this complex patient population.

Cog graft, a new septal extension graft for designing nasal tip rotation and projection in rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Adjusting the nasal tip rotation and tip projection according to the patient's face and wishes is a very important stage in rhinoplasty with the use of a cog graft positioning the tip point in the appropriate place is possible by adjusting the nose length, tip projection and tip rotation together. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to facilitate positioning the tip rotation and projection in the appropriate place according to the patient's needs in rhinoplasty with Cog graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cog graft was applied in 32 patients who underwent rhinoplasty. Cog graft was prepared from costal cartilage in 10 patients and from septal cartilage in 22 patients. Cog graft was prepared by shaping the superior edge of the septal extension graft like a gear wheel. It is fixed to provide desired projection to the caudal septum. In the position where rotation and projection are evaluated adequately, the graft is fixed with sutures. They were followed in average 18 months (between 6 and 24 months). RESULTS: Twenty of the patients were primary cases and 12 were revision cases. The targeted rotation and projection results were achieved in all patients. All patients had satisfactory esthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Cog graft is a useful graft with which we can adjust the nose length, projection and rotation appropriately and in a short time with a single graft.

Use of alloplastic implants for correction of deviated nasal septum: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To systematically reviews the safety and effectiveness of alloplastic implants (AI) in septoplasty. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search in Medline, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases to identify articles on septoplasty using AI. We also manually searched reference lists of included articles. Inclusion criteria involved prospective or retrospective case-series studies of adults with deviated nasal septum (DNS) who underwent septoplasty with AI, with sufficient follow-up data. Two authors independently screened articles, reviewed full manuscripts, and extracted data. RESULTS: Out of 5370 articles, 16 met inclusion criteria, encompassing 884 patients from 14 eligible studies. Most studies had fair quality. AI materials included Polydioxanone (PDS), Polycaprolactone (PCL), Titanium, Macropore, and PolyMax. AI usage improved nasal obstruction in most patients, with 95.6 % (84.8 %-100 %) based on physical examination and 96.9 % (89.6 %-100 %) based on symptoms. AI-related complications occurred in 4.3 % (0 %-12.8 %) of cases, mostly non-serious. CONCLUSIONS: AI use can be considered as a useful adjunct in septoplasty, with uncommon complications similar to standard procedures. However, due to limited-quality evidence, further prospective controlled studies are needed.

Deformity, etiology, solution, sequence (DESS): Facial analysis in rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE: Rhinoplasty is amongst the most challenging surgeries to perfect and can take decades. This process begins during residency; however, residents often have limited exposure to rhinoplasty during their training and lack a standardized method for systematically analyzing and formulating a surgical plan. The DESS (Deformity, Etiology, Solution, Sequence) is a novel educational format for residents that serves to increase their pre-operative comfort with the surgical evaluation and intraoperative planning for a rhinoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study performed at a tertiary academic institution with an otolaryngology residency program evaluating three consecutive residency classes comprised of four residents per class. A 9-item questionnaire was distributed to measure change in resident comfort after utilizing the DESS during their facial plastics rotation. Questionnaire responses highlighted resident comfort with facial nasal analysis, identifying deformities, suggesting surgical maneuvers, and synthesizing a comprehensive surgical plan. RESULTS: Ten of the twelve residents surveyed responded. Of those that responded, comfort in facial nasal analysis, identification of common nasal deformities, surgical planning, and development of an overall surgical plan were significantly improved after completion of the facial plastic rotation. These residents largely attributed their success to the systematic educational format, with an average score of 4.8/5.0 (SD 0.42). CONCLUSION: While rhinoplasty is a challenging artform to master, systematic approaches to analysis and operative planning are vital for teaching and guiding residents. Through this novel methodology, residents display significant improvement in their comfort with facial nasal analysis and overall surgical preparation.

Use of lateral alar caudal graft to increase nasal tip definition in rhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to demonstrate use of Lateral Alar Caudal Graft to increase nasal tip definition in primary or revision rhinoplasty cases. METHOD: Lateral Alar Caudal Graft was used in 24 patients who underwent open technique septorhinoplasty between 2019 and 2023 years. Fourteen of the patients were female and 10 were male. This technique was applied in revision or primary cases where the caudal part of the lateral alar crura of the lower lateral cartilage was lower in the vertical plane than the cephalic part. The Lateral Alar Caudal Graft was sutured over the caudal edge of the lateral alar crura of the lower lateral cartilage. RESULT: The mean age of the patients was 23. The mean follow-up time of the patients was between 6 and 18 months. No complications were observed due to this technique. Satisfactory results were obtained in the postoperative period after surgery. CONCLUSION: We have successfully demonstrated that in primary or revision rhinoplasty cases, nasal tip definition will be enhanced by positioning the caudal level of the lateral alar crura of the lower lateral cartilage higher than the cephalic level using an onlay lateral alar crural graft and eliminated the need for alar rim graft.

Fitostimoline® in fibro-endoscopic and trans-nasal trans-speculum septoplasty as a beneficial tool to improve post-surgical outcome: Preliminary results of a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Topic treatment can be useful to improve short and long-term nasal outcomes after nasal surgery, reducing discomfort and risk of synechia. This study aimed at evaluating the effect on clinical outcomes of nasal packaging using Fitostimoline® gauze in FESS and septoplasty. METHODS: A case-control study on hospitalized patients was performed in a tertiary referral center. The control group included 20 patients treated with the standard surgical protocol for septoplasty and standard nasal packaging; treatment group included 21 patients underwent same surgical procedure but in whom the nasal tampon was wrapped with a gauze containing Fitostimoline® before being placed into the nose. RESULTS: Patients in treatment group had better outcomes than control; nasal mucosa showed better healing - recovery of normal color- in those patients in whom we applied the Fitostimoline® gauze around tampons. Moreover, 100 % patients in the treatment group did not refer discomfort during at tampon removal versus 60 % subjects in the control group who referred pain, tension or tearing during the same action. CONCLUSION: Our results, although preliminary because of the small cohort of subjects included, suggest that the apposition of a gauze with Fitostimoline® after nasal surgery might improve the mucosal healing with consequent reduction of patients discomfort during the post-surgical period.

An examination of antibiotic administration in septorhinoplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are common otolaryngological procedures, often combined as septorhinoplasty (SRP), offering aesthetic and functional benefits. These surgeries are believed to potentially risk postoperative infections due to natural bacterial flora in the nares. This study evaluates the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in reducing post-surgical infection complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, focusing on antibiotic use in septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and SRP. The study included randomized control trials, single/double-blind studies, retrospective chart reviews, and prospective cohort studies, excluding pediatric, non-human research, or studies with inaccessible data. Postoperative infection rates were analyzed utilizing R software as a form of Statistic. RESULTS: From 697 articles, 15 studies were chosen for meta-analysis, involving 2225 patients, with 1274 receiving prophylactic antibiotics and 951 as controls. The meta-analysis indicated an odds ratio of 0.65 (95 % CI: [0.23, 1.89]), showing no significant protective effect of prophylactic antibiotics. DISCUSSION: The study found no significant infection rate reduction with prophylactic antibiotic use. Notable were inconsistencies in study designs, antibiotic administration timing, and varied surgical practices. Antibiotic use risks were considered. Study limitations include potential biases and the retrospective nature of many studies. CONCLUSIONS: This review and meta-analysis found no substantial evidence supporting prophylactic antibiotics' effectiveness in reducing postoperative infection rates in septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and SRP, indicating a need to reevaluate practices and develop evidence-based guidelines. Future research should focus on comprehensive, randomized control studies, covering both preoperative and postoperative stages.

Utility of CT or X-ray in the management of adult nasal fracture.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the use of imaging in the management of nasal fracture in adults and determine if imaging is beneficial to clinical decision making when planning for surgery. A secondary objective of this study is to compare surgical rates for nasal fracture between pediatric and adult populations. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study of 357 patients seen at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center from January 2015 through January 2020 with a diagnosis of nasal fracture. An odds ratio was calculated to determine likelihood of surgical intervention between patients who had imaging of the nasal bones and patients who did not. RESULTS: 82 % of patients had either CT or X-ray imaging. The odds ratio of patients who had surgery after CT or X-ray imaging compared to patients who had surgery without prior imaging was 0.092 (95 % CI: 0.0448-0.1898, p-value <0.0001). A total of 54 (15 %) adult patients had surgery, in comparison to 50 % of pediatric patients with diagnosis of nasal fracture. 202 (57 %) of patients did not follow up after initial diagnosis by radiology. CONCLUSION: The statistical analysis suggests that while CT and X-ray are frequently obtained in the setting of nasal fracture, patients without imaging are more likely to have surgery (p < 0.05) than patients with imaging. This indicates that imaging is likely unnecessary for surgical planning. Most adults do not pursue surgery, and surgical rates for adults with nasal fracture are much lower than those of pediatric patients with nasal fracture.

Clinical and surgical factors associated with opioid refill rates following septorhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Septorhinoplasty is one the most common class of procedures performed worldwide, and opioids are frequently prescribed for post-operative pain [1]. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the rate of post-operative opioid prescription refills following septorhinoplasty. METHODS: This study was a case-control study of patients who underwent septoplasty and other secondary concomitant procedures. RESULTS: Of the 249 patients included in this study, the majority of patients (94.8%) were prescribed 12 tablets of hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5 mg - 325 mg and only 31 patients (13.3%) received refills. The presence of osteotomies and history of prior opioid use were associated with refills. Nasal valve repair type, open versus closed approach, and presence of autologous auricular cartilage graft harvest were not. DISCUSSION: Our study highlights factors that surgeons should consider when prescribing opioids after septorhinoplasty. Twelve tablets of an opioid are likely sufficient for the majority of patients, but if osteotomies are performed or the patient has a history of prior opioid use, more may be indicated to avoid the need for refills. Additional narcotics are not necessary for an open approach or for patients in which auricular cartilage is needed.

Internal suspension sutures in tip rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Achieving an aesthetically pleasant tip rotation is paramount in rhinoplasty, and these results should be long-lasting. However, even powerful structural techniques such as septal extension grafts can lose rotation over time, as most support depends on the attachment of the graft to the septal cartilage. METHODS: We describe a simple suture technique to strengthen tip support in rhinoplasty, by suspending it to the cartilaginous dorsum, providing additional support to the tip against forces, such as gravity, scar contraction and muscle tension. CONCLUSIONS: Combining traditional techniques with suspension sutures can improve intraoperative results and could enhance long-term tip stability.