Columellar strut grafts versus septal extension grafts during rhinoplasty for airway function, patient satisfaction and tip support.

IMPORTANCE: Different techniques exist to provide tip support in rhinoplasty. There is little evidence to provide a consensus on the most effective choice. OBJECTIVE: Evaluating columellar strut graft (CSG) and septal extension grafts (SEG) for their influence on airway function, patient satisfaction and tip support. DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken on 165 adult patients who underwent open rhinoplasty with either a CSG or SEG, from February 2012 to August 2019 in a single tertiary facial-plastic practice in Sydney, Australia. Operations were for both cosmetic and functional indications, and both primary and revision cases were assessed. Airway testing and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) were performed preoperatively and at least 6 months following the procedure. Photographic tip analysis was taken from approximately 4 and 12-month postoperative photographs. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIF) and total nasal airway resistance (NAR) were the primary airway functional outcomes. The primary PROMs analysed were a visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction and 13-point Likert scale for global cosmesis, the Nose Outcome Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), and the nasal obstruction score. Tip support was determined by the nasolabial angle (NLA) and Simon's ratio as assessed by Rhinobase developed by Apaydin et al. on lateral Frankfort plane photographs. Data normalised as an improvement over preoperative baseline, accounting for individual variability. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients was assessed (35.2 ± 12.9 yrs, 72% female), 100 (61%) of which received SEG. There were similar nasal airway assessments between CSG and SEG groups, with ΔNPIF (20.0 ± 42.1 L/min v 19.9 ± 44.9 L/min, p = 0.983) and Δ "obstructed" NAR (-1.13 ± 1.90 v -1.02 ± 4.33 Pa/cm3/s, p = 0.849). Amongst PROMs, a greater cosmetic outcome was seen in the SEG group (7.20 ± 2.97 v 5.69 ± 3.45, p < 0.01) with all other assessments similar between CSG and SEG techniques. Photographic analysis of tip projection showed reduced NLA distortion in the SEG. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: While greater patient-perceived cosmesis was seen in patients with a SEG, there were similar airflow and patient-reported nasal function between groups. Photographic analysis of tip projection showed SEG patients additionally benefited from less NLA distortion and greater tip maintenance.

The Effects of Lateral Crural Tensioning with an Articulated Alar Rim Graft Versus Lateral Crural Strut Graft on Nasal Function.

Importance: Nasal valve dysfunction can be addressed by various valve reinforcement techniques. There is no consensus on which technique is most efficacious. Objective: To evaluate lateral crural tensioning with articulated alar rim grafting (LCT/AARG) versus the lateral crural strut graft (LCSG) for their efficacy as nasal valve reinforcement techniques in rhinoplasty. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cohort study was undertaken on patients who underwent either the LCT/AARG or LCSG as part of their rhinoplasty procedure. Airway testing was performed preoperatively and 6 months after the procedure, with data collected from February 2015 to July 2018 at a single tertiary rhinologic practice. Consecutive adults underwent open structure septorhinoplasty by one surgeon for both cosmetic and functional indications, as both primary and revision cases. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary functional outcomes analyzed were the nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIF) and total nasal airway resistance (NAR). The primary patient-reported outcome measures analyzed were the visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction, the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), and nasal obstruction score. Data were also normalized as a percentage improvement over preoperative baseline, to account for individual variability. Results: In total 94 participants were recruited (33.7 ± 11.7 years, 85.3% female) with 26.6% in the LCT/AARG group and 73.4% in the LCSG group. Change in NAR (ΔNAR) was significantly better in the AARG group (-18.73 ± 26.84 Pa/cc3 vs. 15.07 ± 55.57 Pa/cc3, p < 0.001). In addition, NAR improved significantly when analysis was isolated to the LCT/AARG group (0.414 ± 0.255 Pa/(cc3·s) vs. 0.291 ± 0.116 Pa/(cc3·s), Δ = -0.122 Pa/(cc3·s), p = 0.004) despite change in NAR being insignificant for the entire study population after surgery (0.370 ± 0.177 Pa/(cc3·s) vs. 0.349 ± 0.152 Pa/(cc3·s), Δ = 0.021, p = 0.320). There were no significant differences between the study groups in ΔNPIF (15.85 ± 31.48 L/min vs. 8.20 ± 30.12 L/min, p = 0.285), ΔVAS (35.77 ± 130.52 vs. 31.38 ± 73.19, p = 0.838), ΔNOSE (-73.60 ± 25.43 vs. -27.31 ± 123.44, p = 0.085), and Δnasal obstruction (64% experiencing improvement vs. 63.2% experiencing improvement, p = 0.097). Conclusions and Relevance: LCT/AARG demonstrated benefit in total NAR over the LCSG. There were no other significant functional differences between the two techniques.

Health Impairment From Nasal Airway Obstruction and Changes in Health Utility Values From Septorhinoplasty.

IMPORTANCE: The association of nasal airway obstruction with health is significant, and the health care resources utilized in open septorhinoplasty need to be included in health economic analyses. OBJECTIVES: To describe the association of nasal airway obstruction and subsequent open septorhinoplasty with patient health. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective case series study was conducted from September 30, 2009, to October 29, 2015, at 2 tertiary rhinologic centers in Sydney, Australia, among 144 consecutive adult patients (age, ≥18 years) with nasal airway obstruction from septal and nasal valve disorders. INTERVENTIONS: Open septorhinoplasty. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Patients were assessed before undergoing open septorhinoplasty and then 6 months after the procedure. Health utility values (HUVs) were derived from the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Nasal obstruction severity was also measured using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 144 patients (85 women and 59 men; mean [SD] age, 38 [13] years) were assessed. The baseline mean (SD) HUV for patients in this study was 0.72 (0.09), which was below the weighted mean (SD) Australian norm of 0.81 (0.22). After open septorhinoplasty, the mean (SD) HUV improved to 0.78 (0.12) (P < .001). Improvements in HUV were associated with changes in disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures, including Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scores (r = -0.48; P = .01) and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 scores (r = -0.68; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Patients with nasal airway obstruction reported baseline HUVs that were lower than the Australian norm and similar to those in individuals with chronic diseases with significant health expenditure. There was a clinically and statistically significant improvement in HUVs after open septorhinoplasty that was associated with a reduction in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 scores. Outcomes from this study may be used for health economic analyses of the benefit associated with open septorhinoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Association Between Mental Health Status and Patient Satisfaction With the Functional Outcomes of Rhinoplasty.

IMPORTANCE: Mental health can have an impact on patient satisfaction with rhinoplasty. However, the association between mental health and patient satisfaction with functional outcomes of rhinoplasty is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preoperative mental health is associated with satisfaction with functional outcomes of rhinoplasty. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This case-control study assessed baseline nasal function and postsurgical functional outcomes for 88 consecutive patients undergoing rhinoplasty with both cosmetic and functional goals at 2 tertiary rhinologic centers in Sydney, Australia. EXPOSURES: Poor mental well-being was defined preoperatively by the Optum SF-36v2 Health Survey mental component summary. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Nasal function was assessed with patient-reported outcome measures, including visual analog scales, the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (NOSE), the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), and Likert scales. Objective outcomes included nasal peak inspiratory flow, nasal airway resistance, and minimum cross-sectional area. All outcomes were assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The 36-item Optum SF-36v2 Health Survey mental component summary was used to assess mental well-being, with a score of less than 40 indicating poor mental well-being and a score 40 or higher indicating normal well-being. RESULTS: Mean (SD) patient age was 37.6 (12.9) years and 53 of 88 (60.2%) were women. The mental component summary defined impaired well-being in n = 24 (cases) and normal well-being in n = 64 (controls). There were improvements in the total study population across most nasal function outcomes and in both groups. After rhinoplasty, benefit was seen for both groups in visual analog scale (left side mean [SD] change, 18 [30]; P < .001 and right side mean [SD] change, 24 [30]; P < .001); NOSE (mean [SD] change, 1.35 [1.21]; P < .001); and SNOT-22 (mean [SD] change, 0.81 [0.88]; P < .001) scores. Nasal peak inspiratory flow improved for both groups (mean [SD] change, 32 [45] L/min; P < .001), while nasal airway resistance and minimum cross-sectional area remained similar (change in nasal airway resistance, 0.086 Pa/cm3/s; 95% CI, -0.007 Pa/cm3/s to 0.179 Pa/cm3/s and change in minimum cross-sectional area, -0.04 cm2; 95% CI, -0.21 cm2 to 0.13 cm2). Patients with poor mental health had similar improvements in nasal function compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Rhinoplasty imparts similar benefits to nasal function assessed by patient-reported outcome measures and objective airflow measures regardless of preoperative mental health status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Association of Mental Health Status With Perception of Nasal Function.

IMPORTANCE: Mental health issues are thought to be overrepresented among patients undergoing rhinoplasty and may be associated with patient presentation prior to surgery. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of poor mental health with perception of nasal function. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional study of patients presenting for airway assessment was performed from December 1, 2011, to October 31, 2015, at 2 tertiary rhinoplasty centers in Sydney, Australia. Mental health was independently defined preoperatively by the Mental Component Summary of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (a score of <40 indicated poor mental well-being), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (a score of <15 indicated low self-esteem), and the Dysmorphic Concerns Questionnaire (a score of >11 indicated above-average dysmorphic concerns). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Nasal function was assessed with patient-reported outcome measures, including the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale, the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test, a visual analog scale to rate ease of breathing on the left and right sides, and Likert scales to assess overall function and nasal obstruction. Nasal airflow was assessed by nasal peak inspiratory flow, nasal airway resistance, and minimum cross-sectional area. RESULTS: Among 495 patients in the study (302 women and 193 men; mean [SD] age, 36.5 [13.6] years), compared with patients with good mental health, those with poor mental health had poorer scores in all patient-reported outcome measures, including the visual analog scale for the left side (mean [SD], 51 [25] vs 42 [25]; P = .001), visual analog scale for the right side (mean [SD], 54 [24] vs 45 [26]; P < .001), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (mean [SD], 2.64 [0.95] vs 1.96 [1.04]; P < .001), 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (mean [SD], 2.14 [0.84] vs 1.33 [0.83]; P < .001), nasal obstruction (58 of 145 [40.2%] vs 83 of 350 [23.7%] with severe or worse obstruction; P < .001), and nasal function (72 of 145 [49.7%] vs 111 of 350 [31.8%] with poor or worse function; P < .001). Subclinical differences in nasal peak inspiratory flow could be demonstrated, but all other nasal airflow measures were similar. Low self-esteem produced a similar pattern, but dysmorphia did not. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Poor mental health status is associated with a poorer self-perception of nasal function compared with those who are mentally healthy with clinically similar nasal airflow. Clinicians should be aware that patients with poor mental health reporting obstructed airflow may in part be representing an extension of their negative emotions rather than true obstruction and may require further assessment prior to surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Frontal sinus surgery and sinus distribution of nasal irrigation.

BACKGROUND: Effective mucus lavage and delivery of topical pharmaceuticals are central to successful management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The frontal sinus remains difficult to penetrate with topical therapies. This study evaluates the benefit of Draf III frontal dissection compared to traditional Draf IIa for distribution of topical therapies. METHODS: Fresh human cadaver heads were dissected sequentially with Draf IIa frontal sinusotomy and then Draf III procedures. Each cavity was irrigated with pediatric (120 mL) and adult (240 mL) irrigation bottles with 1/1000 10% fluorescein-labeled free water in 2 fixed positions (vertex and Frankfort horizontal). An endoscope at a fixed position within the frontal sinus recorded frontal sinus and frontal recess penetration. The images then underwent blinded evaluation of fluid distribution scored as 0 to 4 (nasal cavity only, frontal recess, medial one-half, lateral one-half, and lavage). Ordinal distribution score was analyzed with Kendall's tau-b. RESULTS: Eight specimens (age 76 ± 11.2 years; 50% female) were assessed. Draf III was superior to Draf IIa in ability to achieve frontal sinus distribution of irrigation (90.6% vs 50.1%, p < 0.001). Vertex head position improved distribution (90.6% vs 50.1%, p < 0.001), was synergistic with Draf III (100% with 87.5% lavage, p < 0.001), but was unable to overcome Draf IIa (81.2% with 25% lavage, p < 0.001). Irrigation volume trended toward improved distribution with larger volume irrigations. CONCLUSION: Successful treatment of sinonasal disease may require postoperative delivery of topical therapies. Draf III frontal sinusotomy achieves superior topical access, and access to the frontal sinus with Draf IIa appears limited, despite large volumes and positioning.

Costal Cartilage Lateral Crural Strut Graft vs Cephalic Crural Turn-in for Correction of External Valve Dysfunction.

IMPORTANCE: External nasal valve dysfunction (EVD) is a common cause of nasal obstruction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate costal cartilage lateral crural strut grafts vs cephalic crural turn-in to support the weak lateral crus in patients with EVD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this prospective cohort study, patients with clinically diagnosed EVD were assessed at the Tertiary Rhinologic Center and underwent a costal cartilage underlay graft to the lateral crus or a cephalic turn-in cruralplasty. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Assessment of patient benefit was based on 22-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (NOSE) scores. A Likert scale was also used to assess overall function and cosmesis. Objective assessment included postdecongestion nasal peak inspiratory flow, nasal airway resistance, and minimum cross-sectional area. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (mean [SD] 35.38 [12.73] years of age; 25 [61%] female) were assessed. Cephalic turn-in maneuver was used for 25 (61%) patients; costal cartilage lateral crural strut grafts, 16 (39%) patients. Costal cartilage grafts were used in patients undergoing revision but other baseline data were similar. Follow-up was mean 10.58 (7.52) months. All patients had significantly improved visual analog scale, SNOT-22, NOSE, patient-reported function, and cosmesis scores. The only objective test that improved was nasal peak inspiratory flow (114.76 [60.48] L/min vs 126.46 [61.17] L/min; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Both techniques were effective in improving patient-reported outcomes and nasal peak inspiratory flow. Both are functionally and cosmetically viable options for correction of EVD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Airflow and patient-perceived improvement following rhinoplastic correction of external nasal valve dysfunction.

IMPORTANCE: External nasal valve dysfunction (ENVD) is a common cause of nasal obstruction. Although many techniques are described to help correct ENVD, evidence of the objective changes in the airway achieved by these interventions is mainly unknown. OBJECTIVE: To document the airway changes in patients with ENVD by comparing subjective and objective measures obtained before and after rhinoplasty. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective case series with validated subjective and objective outcomes at a tertiary rhinologic center in Sydney, Australia. We included 19 patients with nasal obstruction and clinically diagnosed ENVD from January 2012 to May 2013. INTERVENTIONS: Functional reconstructive rhinoplasty involving lateral crural underlay strut grafts using costal cartilage or lateral crural cephalic turn-in maneuvers performed to correct ENVD. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Objective assessment included nasal peak inspiratory flow, nasal airway resistance, and minimum cross-sectional area. Subjective assessment included a visual analog scale for nasal obstruction, the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test, the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, version 2. A 13-point Likert scale was also used to assess overall function and cosmesis. Objective data and visual analog scale scores were obtained before and after decongestion at baseline and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age of the patients undergoing assessment was 33.3 (12.4) years; 13 patients (68%) were female. Significant improvement was observed in scores for the Sinonasal Outcome Test (mean [SD] change, 0.85 [0.96]), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (mean [SD] change, 30.53 [26.14]), and overall function (median [25th-75th percentiles] change, -6.5 [-7.0 to 1.0]) and cosmesis (median [25th-75th percentiles] change, -4.0 [-8.0 to -1.0]) (P < .01). The mean (SD) nasal peak inspiratory flow increased from 102.6 (45.6) to 124.0 (52.9) L/min (P < .01). Median (25th-75th percentiles) nasal airway resistance showed no significant change (from 0.296 [0.237-0.414] to 0.292 [0.267-0.371] Pa/cm3/s; P = .92). The minimum cross-sectional area also showed no significant change (mean [SD], from 1.188 [0.407] to 1.229 [0.336] cm2; P = .69). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Contrary to common belief, successful rhinoplasty had little effect on structural shape or resistance in ENVD, but symptoms improved with changes in collapsibility as defined by the nasal peak inspiratory flow. The need to reconstruct lateral wall support is reinforced by the data presented. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Nasal nitric oxide and sinonasal disease: a systematic review of published evidence.

OBJECTIVE: To critically and systematically review the data available on the sinonasal application of nasal nitric oxide measurement, particularly its use as a diagnostic, prognostic, or treatment effect indicator. DATA SOURCES: EMBASE 1980 to February 10, 2010; Medline 1950 to February 10, 2010; Cochrane Collaboration database; NHS Evidence Health Information Resources database. Review Methods. The databases were searched using a search strategy designed to include manuscripts relevant both to nitric oxide measurement and sinus or nasal problems. A title search was carried out on these manuscripts to select those relevant to clinical or basic science aspects of nitric oxide measurement. A subsequent abstract search selected those manuscripts concerning the application of nitric oxide measurement to sinonasal problems. The manuscripts selected were subject to a full-text review to extract data sets of nasal nitric oxide readings for different patient groups. RESULTS: Initially, 1088 manuscripts were selected. A title search found 335 manuscripts of basic scientific or clinical interest. An abstract search found 35 manuscripts directly relating to nitric oxide measurement in sinonasal disease. Full-text analysis produced 20 studies with extractable data on nasal nitric oxide levels in clearly defined patient groups. Studies did not show sufficient homogeneity to enable substantial meta-analysis of aggregated data. CONCLUSION: Current evidence shows that nasal nitric oxide is not a clinically useful measure for sinonasal disease. Although there is some evidence that sinus surgery is associated with lowered nasal nitric oxide levels, there is no evidence that this is associated with deterioration in sinus health.

Minimal clinically important differences in nasal peak inspiratory flow.

INTRODUCTION: Acoustic Rhinometry, Rhinomanometry, Nasal Spirometry and Nasal Peak Inspiratory flow (NPIF) all measure subtly different constructs of nasal function. All have limitations but NPIF is simple and quick to integrate into clinical practice. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for an outcome measure is an estimate of the smallest change that is experienced by a patient or group as being significant. Studies, particularly with large samples, may generate results that while statistically significant, have limited clinical effect. Defining MCID allows an assessment of the clinical impact of an intervention. This study defines the MCID for NPIF. METHODS: Prospective study of patients from a tertiary clinic undergoing open septorhinoplasty. Nasal obstruction scores and NPIF were recorded before and after surgery. Global function and nasal obstruction scores were used to assess subjective change. Statistical based and patient anchored techniques were used to define MCID. RESULTS: 51 patients with a mean age 36 +- 13 yrs (75% female) were recruited. All had open rhinoplasty, septal reconstruction, spreader grafts and turbinate reduction. Baseline NPIF was 101 +- 35 L/min. The statistically derived MCID (half standard deviation) was 18 L/min, the patient anchored approaches were 20 L/min and 20-25 L/min. DISCUSSION: Although NPIF is effort dependant with the potential for poor test-retest reliability, it is simple, quick and a reliable technique can be quickly learnt. An MCID of 20L/min is recommended when NPIF is used as an outcome tool. Understanding the MCID is critical for assessing the impact of nasal surgery.

Functional outcomes of structured nasal tip refinement.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique to refine the nasal tip and supratip while preserving structure; traditional attempts to reduce nasal tip bulbosity involve maneuvers that may result in loss of support, leading to poor functional and cosmetic outcomes. METHODS: A prospective study of patients undergoing open structure nasal tip refinement using scroll joint excision with a septal-lateral crural suture to flatten the lateral crus. Outcomes assessed were nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIF), nasal obstruction scores, 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), 36-item Short-Form questionnaires (SF-36), and anchor scores for breathing and cosmesis. RESULTS: The mean NPIF improved from 100 L/min to 139 L/min, nasal obstruction improved, and the mean (SD) SNOT-22 scores improved from 1.45 (0.86) to 0.63 (0.65) (P< .01 for all comparisons). All patients had improved cosmesis, and 2.2% had both subjectively and objectively impaired nasal breathing. CONCLUSIONS: A technique is described allowing refinement of the nasal tip while maintaining or improving the nasal airway and providing a high level of patient satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. Even in patients seen for cosmetic rhinoplasty, there may be a degree of preoperative nasal obstruction that should be recognized and addressed.

A technique for medial canthal fixation using resorbable poly-L-lactic acid-polyglycolic acid fixation kit.

Achieving secure bony fixation of medial canthus is a challenge. We used a resorbable poly-L-lactic acid-polyglycolic acid screw (LactoSorb office fixation kit) in 5 cases: 2 with traumatic medial canthal dystopia, 1 with scleroderma and orbital fat atrophy causing malapposition of the medial canthus to globe, and 2 with invasive medial canthal tumors necessitating subtotal medial orbital exenteration. The resorbable screw with preplaced suture was drilled into the medial orbital wall, using a handheld self-drilling tap. The preplaced suture was used to anchor the medial canthus. We achieved satisfactory canthal position in all 5 cases. There were no complications in 4 cases during a mean +/- SD follow-up of 11.3 +/- 6 months; however, the scleroderma case developed wound dehiscence 6 weeks after surgery. The LactoSorb kit is a safe and effective technique to achieve bony medial canthal fixation in carefully selected cases.