Crossing Borders: 95. Jahresversammlung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie vom 8. bis 11. Mai 2024 in Essen. / Crossing Borders: 95. Jahresversammlung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie vom 8. bis 11. Mai 2024 in Essen.

Dear colleagues,Dear readers,We are constantly developing innovative solutions and treatment concepts for our patients in our discipline. In this context, interdisciplinary collaboration is essential. The conference motto "Crossing Borders: interdisciplinary, international, interactive" of the 95th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery emphasizes the relevance of interdisciplinary cooperation and global exchange. This year, joint meetings with the European Laryngological Society (ELS) and the Rhinoplasty Society of Europe (RSE) will take place for the first time. The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and the Confederation of European Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (CEORL-HNS) are also involved in the scientific program. The interdisciplinary presentations offer insights into the most recent developments in the fields of head and neck oncology, skull base and orbital surgery, among others. They are a great opportunity to expand your own knowledge and exchange the latest research findings.

Surgery is better than nasal sprays for people with severely blocked airways caused by septal deviation.

The studyCarrie S, O'Hara J, Fouweather T, et al. Clinical effectiveness of septoplasty versus medical management for nasal airways obstruction: multicentre, open label, randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2023;383:e075445.To read the full NIHR Alert, go to: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/surgery-is-better-than-nasal-sprays-for-people-with-severely-blocked-airways/.

Economic impact analysis of a minimally invasive temperature-controlled radiofrequency device versus nasal surgery for the treatment of nasal airway obstruction in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the economic impact of a minimally invasive temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) device for treating nasal airway obstruction (NAO). METHODS: A budget impact model was developed for two scenarios: a reference scenario of functional rhinoplasty surgery with concomitant septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction (ITR) performed in the hospital outpatient department where TCRF is not an available treatment option and a new scenario consisting of in-office TCRF treatment of the nasal valve and ITR. A payor perspective was adopted with a hypothetical population plan size of one million members. Costs were estimated over a time horizon of 4 years. The eligible population included patients with severe/extreme NAO and nasal valve collapse (NVC) as the primary cause or significant contributor. Data inputs were sourced from targeted literature reviews. Uncertainty within the model structure and input parameters was assessed using one-way sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: The introduction of a TCRF device resulted in population-level cost savings of $20,015,123 and per-responder average cost savings of $3531 through a 4-year time horizon due to lower procedure costs and complication rates of the device relative to the surgical comparator. Results were robust when varying parameter values in sensitivity analyses, with cost savings being most sensitive to the prevalence of NAO and estimated response rates to functional rhinoplasty and TCRF. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe/extreme NAO, with NVC as the primary or major contributor, introducing TCRF with ITR as a treatment option demonstrates the potential for significant cost savings over functional rhinoplasty with septoplasty and ITR.

Nasal valve dysfunction is a common cause of nasal airway obstruction (NAO) that has a significant impact on heath and quality of life for affected individuals. Previously, patients were offered temporary measures or a type of surgery called functional rhinoplasty which is a highly complex surgery that can be costly, requires recovery time, and in rare cases, not be successful. Recently, a new minimally invasive treatment alternative for NAO called temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) that may be performed in a surgery center or a doctor's office has become available. This paper provides the results of budget impact analysis performed to assess whether adding the TCRF procedure in place of surgery as a choice for patients with NAO will result in cost savings to an insurance payer with 1 million covered individuals in the United States over a period of 4 years. Results show that TCRF may result in an average of 9,416 fewer rhinoplasty surgeries, provide an average 4-year cost-savings of $3,531 for every patient that responds to TCRF treatment, and a savings of $20,015,123 over 4 years for the insurance provider. These potential cost savings over 4 years would likely be due to reduced procedure costs and complication rates compared to surgery.

Impact of Intranasal Splint Removal Time on Postoperative Complications after Septoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Various types of nasal tampons are used for packing after septoplasty. Intranasal splints are widely used as they are more advantageous than other materials regarding the lower complication rates of synechia, and lesser pain during removal. However, there is no consensus on the timing of intranasal splint removal after septoplasty operations. AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of removal time of intranasal splints on postoperative complications after septoplasty. METHODS: One hundred patients who had septoplasty were randomly divided into two groups according to splint removal time. In group I, the splints were removed on the third postoperative day and in group II, splints were removed on the seventh postoperative day. Pain during splint removal was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS). Complications of hemorrhage, septal hematoma, crusting, mucosal injury, and infection were recorded during splint removal and compared. In the first postoperative month, hemorrhage, crusting, mucosal injury, infection, synechia, and in the second postoperative month, synechia and perforation rates were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Mucosal crusting was significantly higher in group II during splint removal. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the complication rates and pain scores. Our findings showed no significant difference in pain scores during splint removal and postoperative complications between the two groups except for mucosal crusting. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, although there is no consensus on the optimal time for splint removal, earlier removal of splints can be considered a favorable option after septoplasty operations.

Pollybeak deformity in rhinoplasty: prevention and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with pollybeak deformity who underwent rhinoplasty were analyzed retrospectively and across centers to identify their primary risk factors, preventative measures, and treatment modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective data of 100 pollybeak deformity cases (61 males and 39 females) were enrolled in our study. The causes leading to pollybeak deformity were evaluated and classified as (1) Over-resected bony dorsum, (2) Excessive supra tip scarring, and (3) Inefficient tip support causing an under-projected tip. The treatments applied to patients with pollybeak deformity were retrospectively evaluated and classified as (1) Triamcinolone acetonide injections (one or two injections), (2) Filler injection over the bony dorsum to balance, (3) Using a graft to achieve the desired nose shape, (4) Trimming down the excessive supra tip soft tissue and/or tip cartilage, and (5) Enforcing the tip support. RESULTS: Our results showed that the major cause of pollybeak deformity was excessive supra-tip scarring (48%). The other reasons are inefficient tip support, causing an under-projected tip (28%), and over-resected bony dorsum (24%). The modalities for the treatment of pollybeak deformity were (1) Trimming down the excessive supra tip soft tissue and/or tip cartilage (30%), (2) Triamcinolone acetonide injections (one or two injections) (28%), or (3) Enforcing the tip support (28%), (4) Using a graft to achieve the desired nose shape (14%) and (5) Filler injection over the bony dorsum to balance (6%). In some patients, more than one treatment modality was applied. Triamcinolone acetonide or filler injections were the non-surgical therapies for pollybeak deformities. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that excessive supra-tip scarring is not directly related to a surgical error but rather depends on the patient and tissue healing. Care should be taken to avoid over-resecting the bony dorsum. Tip support should be provided to prevent inefficient tip support from causing an under-projected tip. However, efforts should be made to minimize supra-tip dead space and possibly proceeding pollybeak formation through proper bandaging.

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.

Implications of Malignancy, Radiation, and Timing of Major Nasal Reconstruction.

Owing to the complex, multilayered anatomy of the nose in the central face, major nasal reconstruction can pose a significant challenge for reconstructive surgeons. It is the responsibility of reconstructive surgeons to have an understanding of the most common cutaneous malignancies and excisional techniques that may lead to complex nasal defects. The purpose of this article is to discuss these malignancies, excisional techniques, and impacts of radiation on tissue that has implications for reconstructive surgeons.

Nasal Lining Reconstruction with Prelaminated Forehead Flap.

A successful nasal reconstruction relies heavily on a stable internal lining. Larger defects pose unique challenges for internal lining reconstruction as obtaining tissue of adequate size while maintaining airway patency is difficult. The prelamination technique uses a staged skin graft to the paramedian forehead flap prior to transfer. As such, a composite flap can be later transferred to reconstruct internal and external nasal defects concomitantly. This article reviews the current background, techniques, and clinical considerations in the use of the prelaminated forehead flap for nasal lining reconstruction in partial to total nasal defects.

Total Nasal Reconstruction: Advances in Free Tissue Transfer for Internal Lining and Structural Support.

Total nasal reconstruction is a complex challenge due to the need to establish new internal lining, internal structural support, and external skin covering that is both functional and esthetic. The medial femoral condyle corticoperiosteal free flap represents an innovative option for restoration internal structure and internal nasal lining. When used in conjunction with a paramedian forehead flap, acceptable results in both function and esthetics can be achieved.

Nuances in Forehead Flap Reconstruction for Large Nasal Defects.

The forehead flap is a time-tested and robust resurfacing flap used for nasal reconstruction. Owing to its excellent color and texture match, acceptable donor site morbidity, and robust and independent blood supply that can support both structural and internal lining grafts, this flap remains the workhorse flap for resurfacing large nasal defects. Various nuances of this technique relating to defect and template preparation, flap design, flap elevation, flap inset, donor site closure, and pedicle division are discussed in this article. These nuances are the guiding principles for improved outcomes using a forehead flap for the reconstruction of large nasal defects.

Reconstruction of Large Composite Defects Extending Beyond the Nose.

Nasal reconstruction remains one of the most challenging surgeries for facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. The addition of defects extending beyond the nose adds a layer of complexity to an already technically demanding surgery. This article will focus on the management of composite defects extending beyond the boundaries of the nose. Surgeons need to have a variety of techniques at their disposal. These complex defects often require multiple local flaps, multiple stages, and, in select cases, free tissue transfer.

Effects of submucoperichondrial application of platelet-rich plasma on nasal mucosal healing after septoplasty.

OBJECTIVE(S): Our aim is to investigate the effects of the submucoperichondrial application of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on nasal mucosal healing after septoplasty surgery. METHOD(S): This prospective randomized observational study was conducted between July 2019 and February 2021, with 40 patients aged 18-60 years who underwent closed the only septoplasty operation for similar septal deviations. Patient divided into two group; 21 patients were placed in PRP group to which PRP was applied on all mucosal surface and submucoperichondrial area of septum and 19 patients were placed in control group to which saline solution was applied on same regions. Nasal obstruction score, mucociliary clearance time, presence of nasal crusting, and bleeding time were evaluated on 5th, 10th, 15th day after surgery and compared between groups. RESULTS: Intranasal crusting on day 10 was found to be lower in the PRP group (n:13 68.4 %) than control group (n:7 33.3 %) with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.028). The nasal obstruction score on day 10 and 15 were found to be lower in the PRP group (3,33 ± 2,75, 2,07 ± 2,20) (than the control group (5,44 ± 2,26, 3,37 ± 1,92) with a statistically significant difference (p = 0,003,p = 0,009). The mucociliary clearance rate was found to be higher and the bleeding time was found to be lower in the PRP group, but a statistically significant difference was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Application of submucoperichondrial PRP could have beneficial effects on nasal mucosal repair, nasal crusting, and congestion after septoplasty surgery.

Changes in patient-reported satisfaction and quality-of-life 6 months after rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is a challenging and demanding procedure in plastic surgery. Surgical success, patient satisfaction, and improved quality-of-life are important outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported satisfaction with appearance, treatment, and decision outcomes as well as quality-of-life after rhinoplasty using validated questionnaires. The role of patient demographics on outcomes was also studied. METHODS: Patients who underwent a primary rhinoplasty were selected for this cohort study. Patient-reported satisfaction with appearance, treatment, and decision as well as quality-of-life were evaluated with the Utrecht Questionnaire and FACE-Q at intake and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Overall, 380 patients were included. Patients reported a more positive subjective perception of nasal appearance (VAS score) at 6 months post-surgery compared with preoperative scores (7.9 ± 1.6 vs 3.2 ± 1.4, p < 0.05). Furthermore, higher quality-of-life and body image scores were observed at 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperative scores (7.7 ± 3.5 vs 15.2 ± 4.4, p < 0.05). Patients reported high satisfaction with treatment outcome (70.3 ± 23.4) as well as with their decision to undergo surgery (75.9 ± 23.4) on a scale of 0-100 at 6 months postoperatively. Patients reached similar postoperative scores regardless of their intake scores. Patients ≥30 years and patients with a history of cosmetic surgery were less satisfied postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Despite differences in appearance satisfaction at intake, most patients showed greater satisfaction with appearance, treatment, and decision outcomes as well as quality-of-life 6 months postoperatively. However, older age and a history of cosmetic surgery influenced these outcomes negatively. These factors should be considered during preoperative management of outcome expectations.

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.

Rinoplastia secundaria: infección nasal en el postoperatorio / Secondary rhinoplasty: postoperative nasal infection

La rinoplastia es una de las intervenciones más comunes en cirugía plástica. Se opera aquí una rinoplastia secundaria por vía abierta injertando los alares y la punta con cartílagos auriculares, mientras el tabique cartilaginoso fue usado para los spreader grafts. Se describe aquí una infección posoperatoria de su punta nasal. Al 9no día de su posoperatorio comienza con la punta nasal congestiva y levemente inflamada. Se medica con una crema con antibióticos, pero el día 14 aparece con la punta nasal muy inflamada y con colección. Cuando en el consultorio el cirujano la ve, como cualquier absceso, decide realizarle drenaje con un trocar 18G, 3 miniincisiones en la piel debajo de la punta nasal, de la que drena un líquido amarronado. Luego con el mismo trocar se realiza un lavado dentro de la cavidad con rifampicina solución. Se medica con trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol (Bactrimforte®) 2 comp/día. Al otro día se observa una notable mejoría. Se continuó con lavado diario durante 4 días con el mismo antibiótico evolucionando rápidamente bien. El Bactrim se lo continúa por 20 días. Al mes la punta nasal está muy bien, deshinchada con cicatrices apenas visibles. A los cuatro meses, la punta está muy blanda, las alas nasales y las narinas normales, la punta con buena proyección igual que el dorso con los spreader graft.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common interventions in plastic surgery. A secondary open rhinoplasty was carried out grafting the allae and the tip of the nose with conchae cartilage, while the septum was used for spreader grafts. We are here describing this post operatory with a tip of the nose infection.In the control, at the 9th postoperative day, the nasal tip began to be congested and at the 14th post op day the patient showed a clear inflammatory collection. In the office, the surgeon decided to evacuate it with three punctureslike little incisions at the inferior part of the skin tip with a trocar 18G. Through them, drained brownish purulent secretion. With the same trocar, rifampicin solution was injected through these little incisions, like washing the subdermal area. It was medicated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim forte®) 2 tablets/day. The following day, there was a clear improvement in the congestion and erythema of the nose. This procedure of washing was repeated for four days. There was a quick evolution of the inflammatory process and 20 more days, there was no sign of the infection. Four months later, the tip of the nose was soft and the result was considered optimal by the patient and doctors.

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.

Facial Feminization: Middle Third of the Face.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) as applied to the midfacial region targets modifications to the nasal and malar esthetic complexes. Although a global assessment is paramount in achieving desired functional results, most patients benefit from malar feminization in the form of bony and soft tissue augmentation, and nasal feminization in the form of reductive rhinoplasty. For patients with signs of aging, additional interventions in the form of rhytidectomy are powerful adjuncts to feminization. As with FFS techniques directed toward the upper and lower thirds, the overarching goal is to obtain complementary outcomes that enhance facial harmony and beauty.

The relay graft, a tailored supplement between the nasal hump and established tip in East Asian rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: In East Asian individuals, the nasal bone already has sufficient height for an ideal dorsal profile, but the tip requires enhancement for a desired projection. Consequently, the gap between the intrinsic bony structure and the established nasal tip requires appropriate management. The options are either to reduce the keystone region to create a smooth bed for a conventional dorsal onlay graft or to preserve the original osseocartilaginous structures and then customize a supplementary graft. The aim of this study was to detail and validate the utilization of a relay graft, a transition graft that fills the structural gap between the upper dorsum and established tip graft. The proper application of this graft could prevent osteotomy and preserve the intrinsic dorsum. METHODS: Relay grafts were applied during rib-based rhinoplasty in East Asian patients. Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetric evaluations of the patients were performed. Anthropometric points were analyzed in a blinded fashion. Outcome variables were tip projection improvement, radix elevation, and the angulation of kyphion and pronasale. RESULTS: Fifteen female patients, ranging in age from 21 to 40 years (average 24.5 years), were included. In all cases, the relay graft was applied as one essential element for filling the structural gap. No crooked dorsal profile or visible graft was noted in all cases. Fifteen patients completed the pre- and postoperative stereophotogrammetric study. Postoperative analysis showed great improvement of tip position as well as a slight elevation of the radix, evidenced by the consistent change of kyphion/pronasale angulation and sellion elevation. CONCLUSIONS: The relay graft effectively mitigates the necessity of a disruptive dorsal reduction. It is entirely possible for East Asians to achieve a smooth dorsal profile when only the lower half of the dorsum is transitioned to the proposed tip position. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Evaluating the therapeutic and reconstructive efficacy of flap transplantation techniques in managing nasal tissue deficiency resulting from post-rhinoplasty surgical infections.

Rhinoplasty is a frequently performed aesthetic surgery with a high procedural volume. Despite the operational ease and safety profile of biocompatible materials such as silicone and inflatable prosthetics, postoperative complications like surgical site infections can lead to significant clinical challenges. These complications necessitate effective therapeutic and reconstructive interventions. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of different flap transplantation techniques for early treatment of post-rhinoplasty nasal tissue deficiencies. A retrospective study was conducted from May 2018 to May 2023, involving 38 patients divided into a control group receiving standard anti-infective treatment and an observation group undergoing early flap grafting procedures. Efficacy was evaluated using objective metrics-namely, nasal appearance, function and flap condition-each assessed through a 10-point scoring system, and subjective metrics such as patient satisfaction gauged through self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0. Both groups were statistically comparable in terms of demographics such as age, marital status and educational background. The observation group displayed significantly improved outcomes in terms of nasal aesthetics (mean score 7.92 ± 1.00), nasal function (mean score 8.47 ± 0.51) and flap condition (mean score 7.89 ± 1.12) compared to the control group. Flap transplantation techniques demonstrated superior therapeutic and reconstructive efficacy in the management of nasal tissue deficiencies arising from post-rhinoplasty surgical infections. These findings contribute to evidence-based recommendations for optimal clinical practice.