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Modified extracorporeal septoplasty: prospective study

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate quality-of-life and satisfaction outcomes in patients undergoing the MES using the Portuguese version of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE-p) and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE), and also to evaluate the frequency of possible complications of this technique.

Methods

We conducted a single-center prospective study with patients who had the indication for MES, from May 2016 to September 2020 at the Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic of Otolaryngology Department of the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre. The primary outcome was the relative postoperative change in NOSE-p. Secondary outcome was the variation in ROE, a validated quality-of-life questionnaire for rhinoplasty patients.

Results

Of the 31 patients submitted to extracorporeal septorhinoplasty who were evaluated, twenty-seven patients were included. Preoperative and postoperative NOSE-p scale scores were 65.2 ± 29.9 and 23.5 ± 26.7, respectively (mean differences of 42.04; [95% CI 27.35-56.73]; p< 0.0001). Pre and postoperative ROE scores were 38.3 ± 24.3 vs. 67.29 ± 29.7, respectively (mean differences of −29.02; [95% CI −40.5 to −17.5]; p= 0.0001). Residual septal deviation was verified in 2 patients (7.4%).

Conclusion

Most of the patients submitted to modified extracorporeal septoplasty had a significant improvement in quality of life scores of nasal obstruction, with good aesthetical outcomes and low indices of postoperative complications.

Level of evidence: Level 3.

Keywords
Modified extracorporeal septoplasty; Keystone area; Nasal obstruction; NOSE; ROE

Highlights

Keystone preservation reduces the risk of destabilization of the nasal dorsum.

Modified extracorporeal septoplasty improved quality of life and aesthetics.

Low index of complications after Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty.

Introduction

Nasal obstruction is one of the most prevalent complaints in otorhinolaryngology since approximately one third of the population has some degree of nasal obstruction, and one quarter of these patients pursue surgical treatment.11 Fettman N, Sanford T, Sindwani R. Surgical Management of the Deviated Septum: Techniques in Septoplasty. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42:241-52, viii. Septal deformities are present in up to 77%-90% of the general population.22 Gray LP. Deviated Nasal Septum. Incidence and Etiology. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol Suppl. 1978;87:3-20.,33 Mladina R, Cujić E, Subarić M, Vuković K. Nasal Septal Deformities in Ear, Nose, and Throat Patients: An International Study. Am J Otolaryngol. 2008;29:75-82. In addition to that, septoplasty is one of the most common surgeries performed by otolaryngologists.44 Most SP. Anterior Septal Reconstruction: Outcomes after a Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty Technique. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006;8:202-7. This procedure is indicated to treat nasal obstruction caused by a deviated nasal septum and it is also an essential step in rhinoseptoplasty in order to harvest graft material and obtain optimal aesthetical and functional results.44 Most SP. Anterior Septal Reconstruction: Outcomes after a Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty Technique. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006;8:202-7.,55 Lee SB, Jang YJ. Treatment Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty Compared with in Situ Septal Correction in Rhinoplasty. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2014;16:328-34.

The nasal septum is crucial to nasal support and to adequate nasal function. In patients with nasal obstruction and mild to moderate deviated septum, most cases can be treated with the conventional excision septoplasty technique, especially if the deviation is localized with spurs or like a septal tilt deformity.55 Lee SB, Jang YJ. Treatment Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty Compared with in Situ Septal Correction in Rhinoplasty. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2014;16:328-34.

On the other hand, the treatment of a severely deviated septum is often a challenge, particularly in those deviations located at its anterocaudal and dorsal portions, demanding different surgical techniques for its correction. Guyuron described a classification system for septal deviations subdividing them into 6 different types of anatomic deformity. C-shaped or S-shaped anterior-posterior septal deviations may lead to deformities of the dorsal L strut, while C-shaped or S-shaped cephalocaudal deviations can lead to deformities of the caudal (anterior) L-strut. The remaining 2 classifications do not involve the L strut.66 Gubisch W. Treatment of the Scoliotic Nose with Extracorporeal Septoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2015;23:11-22.,77 Guyuron B. Rhinoplasty. 1st ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier/Saunders; 2012:307-309. Unfortunately, complex deformities involving the L-strut are often underappreciated. Most and Rudy emphasized two major challenges of anterocaudal deviations: the association of internal nasal valve narrowing and aesthetic deformities like irregularities of dorsum and columella and nasal tip ptosis.88 Most SP, Rudy SF. Septoplasty: Basic and Advanced Techniques. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2017;25:161-9.

Some L-strut deformities can be treated effectively with traditional non-extracorporeal techniques. The most commonly used in situ techniques on this purpose are swinging door, septal translocation, cartilage scoring, bony batten grafting, septal extension grafting and other excision and suturing methods.99 Song HM, Kim J-S, Lee B-J, Jang YJ. Deviated Nose Cartilaginous Dorsum Correction Using a Dorsal L-Strut Cutting and Suture Technique. Laryngoscope. 2008;118:981-6.

10 Boccieri A, Pascali M. Septal Crossbar Graft for the Correction of the Crooked Nose. Plast Reconstru Surg. 2003;111:629-38.

11 Kim JH, Kim D-Y, Jang YJ. Outcomes after Endonasal Septoplasty Using Caudal Septal Batten Grafting. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2011;25:e166-70.

12 Metzenbaum M. Replacement of the lower end of the dislocated septal cartilage versus submucous resection of the dislocated end of the septal cartilage. Arch Otolaryngol. 1929;9:282-96.

13 Sedwick JD, Lopez AB, Gajewski BJ, Simons RL. Caudal Septoplasty for Treatment of Septal Deviation: Aesthetic and Functional Correction of the Nasal Base. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2005;7:158-62.
-1414 Haack J, Papel ID. Caudal Septal Deviation. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42:427-36.

However, the extracorporeal septal reconstruction, when properly executed, can eliminate virtually any L-strut deformity, and the extracorporeal technique remains the gold standard for severe anatomic derangements of the septal L strut.66 Gubisch W. Treatment of the Scoliotic Nose with Extracorporeal Septoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2015;23:11-22.

It has been a long way since the first description of extracorporeal septoplasty by King and Ashley in 19511515 King ED, Ashley FL. The Correction of the Internally and Externally Deviated Nose. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1952;10:116-20. and the consolidation of this technique in early 1990’s, especially with a consistent series of cases published by Gubish et al. in the past 30 years.1616 Gubisch W. Aesthetic and Functional Reconstruction after Nose Trauma by Septum Replantation. Indian J Otolaryngol. 1984;36:1-2.

17 Gubisch W. Das Schwierige Septum. HNO 1988;36:286-9.

18 Gubisch W. Zum problem der schiefnase. HNO NA. 1988;78:1009-2011.

19 Jugo SB. Total Septal Reconstruction through Decortication (external) Approach in Children. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1987;113:173-8.
-2020 Rees TD. Surgical Correction of the Severely Deviated Nose by Extramucosal Excision of the Osseocartilaginous Septum and Replacement as a Free Graft. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1986;78:320-30. During this time, extracorporeal septoplasty technique and its variations have shown to be extremely reliable methods to treat complex septal deviation, particularly those deformities involving the L-strut, performing low complication rates and optimal aesthetic and functional results, as showed in most studies published since then.55 Lee SB, Jang YJ. Treatment Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty Compared with in Situ Septal Correction in Rhinoplasty. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2014;16:328-34.,66 Gubisch W. Treatment of the Scoliotic Nose with Extracorporeal Septoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2015;23:11-22.,2121 Gode S, Benzer M, Uslu M, Kaya I, Midilli R, Karci B. Outcome of In Situ Septoplasty and Extracorporeal Subtotal Septal Reconstruction in Crooked Noses: A Randomized Self-Controlled Study. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018;42:234-43.,2222 Aydoğdu I, Atar Y, Aydoğdu Z, Saltürk Z, Ataç E, Doğan Ö, et al. Comparison of Olfactory Function and Quality of Life With Different Surgical Techniques for Nasal Septum Deviation. J Craniofac Surg. 2019;30:433-6.

The Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty technique (MES) described by Most and many other authors, with preservation of the keystone area, is an attractive variation of the conventional extracorporeal technique. That is because MES prevents destabilization caused by resection in the keystone area and its underlying risk of a saddle nose deformity or other dorsal irregularities, ultimately avoiding the necessity of implementing more aggressive and time demanding maneuvers to preserve the stability (percutaneous suture, suture to the ethmoid bone, nasal bone drilling) and revision surgery.2323 Sazga, AA, Teimouri Y, Arjang S, Amali A, Most SP. Severe Deviated Nose Treatment: Importance of Preserving the Dorsal Septal Remnant. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2019;276:1349-54.,2424 Spataro EA, Saltychev M, Kandathil CK, Most SP. Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty and Its Modifications in Treatment of Severe L-Strut Septal Deviation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2019;21:542-50.

Furthermore, Wilson and Mobley2525 Wilson MA, Mobley SR. Extracorporeal Septoplasty: Complications and New Techniques. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2011;13:85-90. described a simplification for the fixation of the anterior portion of the neoseptum. They replace the need of drilling a hole into the nasal spine and suturing the neo septum to the maxillary crest to achieve stable midline fixation. To accomplish that, the neoseptum fabricated must be longer than the original reconstructed nasal septum thus its anterior fixation is made by simply extending the caudal neoseptum into the medial crura of the inferior lateral cartilages and using a tongue-in-groove like suture.

In the last few years, for complex septal deformities involving the L-strut, we use a sum of those modified maneuvers which preserve the philosophy of extracorporeal septoplasty, as described by Gubish, but makes the surgery less technically challenging, decreases the surgical time, eliminates the need of drills, and turn the procedure more reproductive so nasal surgeons can embrace an effective method to correct most of the complex septal deformities.

This study aimed to evaluate quality-of-life and satisfaction outcomes in patients undergoing the MES technique, implemented in our practice in a tertiary care institution in southern Brazil, using the Portuguese version of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE-p) and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE), and also to evaluate the frequency of possible complications of this technique.

Methods

Study design and patients

We conducted a single-center prospective study with patients who had the indication for MES, from May 2016 to September 2020 at the Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic of Otolaryngology Department of the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, a tertiary care university hospital in southern Brazil. Eligible patients were those aged ≥16-years old, with nasal obstruction and evidence of complex nasal septal deformities involving the L strut during physical examination which could not be eliminated with traditional septoplasty or rhinoplasty techniques. Some of these patients were also candidates to aesthetic primary rhinoseptoplasty. Exclusion criteria were deformities in which the keystone area was severely involved or in which the reminiscent cartilaginous nasal septum was displaced from the bone during the surgery and needed the traditional total dorsal reconstruction described by Gubish.66 Gubisch W. Treatment of the Scoliotic Nose with Extracorporeal Septoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2015;23:11-22.

Data collection and outcomes

The primary outcome was the relative postoperative change in NOSE-p, a validated disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire for assessing outcomes in nasal obstruction.2626 Stewart MG, Witsell DL, Smith TL, Weaver EM, Yueh B, Hannley MT. Development and Validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004;130:157-63.,2727 Bezerra TFP, Padua FGM, Pilan RRM, Stewart MG, Voegels RL. Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of a Quality-of-Life Questionnaire: The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Questionnaire. Rhinology. 2011;49:227-31. The variation in that scale goes from “0” which means “no nasal obstruction”, to “100”, which means “severe nasal obstruction”. Secondary outcome was the variation between “100” which means “total satisfaction”, and “0”, which means “major dissatisfaction” in ROE, a validated quality-of-life questionnaire for rhinoplasty patients.2828 Izu SC, Kosugi EM, Brandão KV, Lopes AS, Garcia LBS, Suguri VM, Gregório LC. Normal Values for the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) Questionnaire. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;78:76-9.

All patients were included in our protocol that consists of a brief questionnaire to provide demographic and baseline characteristics, detailed physical examination, nasal endoscopy, preoperative and postoperative standardized facial photography, and a questionnaire of associated complications in the postoperative period.

Also, at all medical appointments, patients were asked about allergic rhinitis symptoms and were classified according to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines2929 Brozek JL, Bousquet J, Baena-Cagnani CE, Bonini S, Canonica GW, Casale TB, et al. Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) Guidelines: 2010 Revision. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;126:466-76. as presenting (1) Intermittent or persistent or (2) Mild or moderate/severe symptoms. Starting at the 30-day postoperative visit, topical corticosteroids (budesonide 50 micrograms twice daily) were prescribed to patients presenting mild persistent or moderate/severe intermittent or persistent symptoms, according to ARIA guidelines. If mild persistent or moderate/severe intermittent or persistent symptoms were still present on the 60-day follow-up visit, high-dose topical corticosteroids were prescribed (budesonide 100 micrograms twice daily).

Those outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 1-week and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively and then annually, by trained investigators at the same day of clinical evaluation. Written informed consent was obtained from each patient before study enrollment.

Surgical technique

Approach and nasal septal resection

All patients undergo MES via an open approach (Fig. 1). Bilateral submucoperichondrial flaps were elevated and the upper lateral cartilages were released from the nasal septum. Then, if indicated, the cartilaginous dorsum hump was reduced to create a new keystone area. Like previously described by Most44 Most SP. Anterior Septal Reconstruction: Outcomes after a Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty Technique. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006;8:202-7. almost all cartilaginous septum was carefully removed, preserving at least 1.5 cm strut at the osteocartilaginous junction (Fig. 2). The main objectives were to remove all cartilaginous and bony deviated septum and to make sure that enough material for the neoseptum reconstruction was available.

Fig. 1
Septorhinoplasty the open approach (author’s archive).

Fig. 2
Diagram of original anatomy. PLE Perpendicular plate of ethmoid. Small strut represents the preserved dorsal nasal septal (author’s archive).

Neoseptum reconstruction

The neoseptum was rebuilt on the surgical table using the straightest portion so that its length should be able to connect the reminiscent native septum to the medial crura of inferior lateral cartilage and its height was attached to the desired nasal tip projection (Fig. 3). In all cases, the cartilage material was harvested by native septum and the use of ear or rib graft was not necessary. When needed, additional maneuvers were performed, like medial and lateral osteotomies or resection of bone hump.

Fig. 3
Septal reconstruction. The neoseptum is fabricated longer (cephalocaudal) than the native septum. So the neoseptum must connect the septal remancent (latero-lateral) and extend caudally to the anterior nasal spine thus extending caudally across the membranous septum to the caudal edge of the medial crura (author’s archive).

Neoseptum fixation

The dorsal and caudal fixation of neoseptum were made by sutures. As described by Most,44 Most SP. Anterior Septal Reconstruction: Outcomes after a Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty Technique. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006;8:202-7. the neoseptum was carefully fixed with sutures latero-lateral to the most concave septal reminiscent in the K-stone area. In the present study sutures were performed with 5-0 Polydioxanone (PDS). After the dorsal stabilization of the neoseptum, unilateral or bilateral spreader grafts were attached with 5-0 polydioxanone if indicated (as in cases of nasal valve insufficiency, deviated nose or asymmetry of the middle third even after dorsal fixation). If a single spreader graft was indicated, it was placed along the dorsal reminiscent septum opposite to the side where the reconstructed septum was fixed.

The caudal fixation we performed as described by Wilson and Mobley,2525 Wilson MA, Mobley SR. Extracorporeal Septoplasty: Complications and New Techniques. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2011;13:85-90. so the anterior to posterior (cephalocaudal) length of the reconstructed neoseptum needed to be long enough for the caudal edge of the neoseptum spans the membranous septum and ends caudally flush with the caudal edge of the medial crura of the inferior lateral cartilages. The caudal fixation of the neoseptum was made with multiple 5‒0 polydioxanone sutures in the medial crura of inferior lateral cartilage preserving the mucosa, as in a tongue-in-groove fashion (Figs. 4 and 5). In the majority of cases lateral crural tensioning was realized. In some patients we performed interdomal or intradomal sutures if nasal tip refinement was planned. After closing the skin, plastic splints were placed along either side of the septum using 4.0 nylon sutures.

Fig. 4
Neo septum fixation (author’s archive).

Fig. 5
A tongue-in-groove stabilization with multiple PDS is performed between the medial crura and the caudal portion of the neoseptum (author’s archive).

Postoperative management

All patients received perioperative intravenous antibiotics- Cefazolin sodium, 1-2 g; or clindamycin phosphate 900 mg, if the patient was allergic to penicillin. The antibiotics were administered according to the patient’s body weight. Antibiotic therapy was continued postoperatively with cephalexin, 500 mg 4 times per day; or clindamycin hydrochloride, 300 mg 3 times per day, for 7 days. The patient’s medical reevaluation occurred generally at the seventh postoperative day when the splints, the external curative and the columellar sutures were removed.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Normally distributed variables were described using means and standard Error (SEs) and were analyzed using 2-tailed paired t tests. Outcomes were described as changes in postoperative MES versus preoperative MES scores. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as a significant statistical difference.

Results

Of the 31 patients submitted to the modified extracorporeal septorhinoplasty who were evaluated for entering the study, twenty-seven patients were included. Four were excluded due severe deformities in the keystone area and displacement of the cartilage from the bone on this area during the surgery and needed total dorsal reconstruction, as described by Gubish.

Mean age was 35.85 (±15.57) years, 12 (44%) were female and mean follow-up was 16.77 (1-36) months (Table 1).

Table 1
Baseline characteristic.

Preoperative and postoperative NOSE-p scale scores were 65.2 ± 29.9 and 23.5 ± 26.7, respectively (mean differences of 42.04; [95% CI 27.35-56.73]; p< 0.0001) (Fig. 6). Furthermore, pre and postoperative ROE scores were 38.3 ± 24.3 vs. 67.29 ± 29.7, respectively (mean differences of −29.02; [95% CI −40.5 to −17.5; p= 0.0001) (Fig. 7).

Fig. 6
Box whisker plots of pre and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation-Portuguese scale of patients submitted to Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty.

Fig. 7
Box whisker plots of pre and postoperative ROE score of patients submitted to Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty.

Residual septal deviation was verified in 2 patients (7.4%). Only 1 patient (3.7%) presented an asymptomatic synechia and a minor and asymptomatic septal perforation anteriorly in the septal mucosa. No severe epistaxis episodes were reported between consultation and no nasal packing was needed in any studied patient (Tables 2 and 3).

Table 2
Partial results of NOSE for each patient in the preoperative, 1-month postoperative, 3-month postoperative, 6-month postoperative and the scale results at the last consultation.
Table 3
Partial results of ROE for each patient in the preoperative, 1-month postoperative, 3-month postoperative, 6-month postoperative and the scale results at the last consultation.

Discussion

Septoplasty is among the most frequently performed procedures in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery.88 Most SP, Rudy SF. Septoplasty: Basic and Advanced Techniques. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2017;25:161-9. Standard in-situ septoplasty approaches are beneficial for most patients with mild to moderate middle or posterior septal deviations. Egmond et al. described in a randomized controlled trial a significant improvement in quality of life among patients who underwent septoplasty and turbinate surgery when compared with patients with isolated clinical treatment.3030 van Egmond MMHT, Rovers MM, Hannink G, Hendriks CTM, van Heerbeek N. Septoplasty with or without Concurrent Turbinate Surgery versus Non-Surgical Management for Nasal Obstruction in Adults with a Deviated Septum: A Pragmatic, Randomised Controlled Trial. Lancet. 2019;394:314-21.

However, the standard septoplasty techniques are not as effective for more severe deformities, especially if located in the anterocaudal septum, in the L-strut area.2424 Spataro EA, Saltychev M, Kandathil CK, Most SP. Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty and Its Modifications in Treatment of Severe L-Strut Septal Deviation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2019;21:542-50. In order to effectively address those complex septal defects, the extracorporeal septoplasty technique was developed, and subsequently underwent modifications aiming to preserve the keystone area consequently reducing the risks of destabilization of the nasal dorsum and also modifying the anterior fixation to facilitate the surgical technique.

A statistically significant reduction in the postoperative NOSE score was reported in this study, a mean reduction of −42.04, which means improvement in nasal obstruction symptoms. Some studies also described similar results. Marangi et al., in a study with patients submitted to open and close access modified extracorporeal septoplasty, showed an improvement in NOSE score and objective nasal flow after 6-months of postoperative follow up in both groups.3131 Marangi GF, Segreto F, Signoretti M, Cazzato V, Persichetti P. Functional Results of a Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty With Open Access. Ann Plast Surg. 2018;81:55-61. Likewise, Persichetti et al. described in a prospective study of patients with 5-years of MES postoperative follow up, a statistically significant improvement in inspiratory flow and obstructive symptoms across the entire cohort by means of rhinomanometric analysis (p= 0.0122) and NOSE questionnaire responses (p< 0.0001).3232 Persichetti P, Toto V, Segreto F, Signoretti M, Marangi GF. Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty: Functional Results at 6-Year Follow-Up. Ann Plast Surg. 2016;76:504-8.

Prospective studies worldwide concerning surgical outcomes in extracorporeal septoplasty and its modifications with good methodology are few. In a meta-analysis of outcomes of extracorporeal septoplasty and its modifications in treatment of severe L-strut septal deviation,2424 Spataro EA, Saltychev M, Kandathil CK, Most SP. Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty and Its Modifications in Treatment of Severe L-Strut Septal Deviation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2019;21:542-50. analysis of surgical outcomes could only be performed using 5 studies,44 Most SP. Anterior Septal Reconstruction: Outcomes after a Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty Technique. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006;8:202-7.,3333 Surowitz J, Lee MK, Most SP. Anterior Septal Reconstruction for Treatment of Severe Caudal Septal Deviation: Clinical Severity and Outcomes. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;153:27-33.

34 Garcia LBS, Oliveira PW, Vidigal TA, Suguri VM, Santos RP, Gregório LC. Caudal Septoplasty: Efficacy of a Surgical Technique-Preliminary Report. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2011;77:178-84.

35 Gurkan K, Nacar A, Yilmaz MS, Altundag A, Guven M. A Novel Method for Reconstruction of Severe Caudal Nasal Septal Deviation: Marionette Septoplasty. Ear Nose Throat J. 2015;94(6):E34-40.
-3636 Myriam L, Markey JD, Gerecci D, El Rassi E, Li RJ, Sullivan CB, et al. Technical Refinements and Outcomes of the Modified Anterior Septal Transplant. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2018;20:31-6. all modified ECS techniques reporting NOSE outcomes. The others analyzed studies could not be included because of variable methods to report results. Additionally, less than half of the studies (14 of 31 [45.2%]) were considered to be of good methodology according to the Guidance for Assessing the Quality of Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies with No Control Group. This meta-analysis of these 5 studies showed a change in total NOSE score of −60.0 (95% CI −67.8 to −52.2) points, indicating both a clinically and statistically significant improvement of nasal obstruction.

Only one of the studies above3434 Garcia LBS, Oliveira PW, Vidigal TA, Suguri VM, Santos RP, Gregório LC. Caudal Septoplasty: Efficacy of a Surgical Technique-Preliminary Report. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2011;77:178-84. was done with Brazilian patients, in a preliminary report with 10 individuals with 60-days follow-up. The technique was restricted to anterior septal deviations through a surgical maneuver whereby the entire deviated portion was removed and a straight cartilage segment was placed between the medial crura of the alar cartilages, through a retrograde approach, to support the nasal tip. In the current Brazilian study, we followed a cohort with more patients and a longer follow up (16.77-months, on average), with evidence of complex nasal septal deformities involving the L strut during physical examination, that is, with broader indications.

In the current study, good aesthetical results were observed too, once an increase in postoperative ROE score was observerved: pre and postoperative ROE scores were 38.3 ± 24.3 vs. 67.29 ± 29.7, respectively. Persichetti et al. described in a cohort of one hundred and twenty patients submitted MES that all patients were subjectively satisfied with the aesthetic postoperative outcome.3232 Persichetti P, Toto V, Segreto F, Signoretti M, Marangi GF. Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty: Functional Results at 6-Year Follow-Up. Ann Plast Surg. 2016;76:504-8.

Regarding the possible complications of MES of the 11 studies on modified extracorporeal septoplasty analyzed in a meta-analysis,2424 Spataro EA, Saltychev M, Kandathil CK, Most SP. Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty and Its Modifications in Treatment of Severe L-Strut Septal Deviation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2019;21:542-50. there were 6 infections (0.8%), no bleeding events, 12 nasal dorsal irregularities (1.7%), 6 other cosmetic complications (0.86%) and 7 other functional complications (1.0%). Unsal et al. described reduction in nasal tip projection and rotation among patients submitted to isolated modified extracorporeal septoplasty without concomitant rhinoplasty.3737 Unsal O, Bozkurt G, Akpinar M, Akova P, Turk B, Coskun BU. Outcomes of Open-Approach Extracorporeal Septoplasty Without Simultaneous Rhinoplasty: Effects on Nasal Tip Projection and Rotation. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016;42:988-93. In the current study, we reported a low index of complications after MES: residual septal deviation was verified in 2 patients (7.4%), 1 patient (3.7%) presented an asymptomatic synechia and a minor and asymptomatic septal perforation anteriorly in the septal mucosa.

Conclusion

This is the longest prospective study with Brazilian individuals presenting complex septal deviations treated with MES. In the present study, most of the patients submitted to modified extracorporeal septoplasty had a significant improvement in quality-of-life scores of nasal obstructions, with good aesthetical outcomes and low indices of postoperative complications.

Consent for publication

All authors have reviewed the final version of the manuscript and agree with the publication of the results presented.

Acknowledgments

R.O.M is the guarantor of this study and, as such, has full access to all the data and takes responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of the data.

  • Funding
    This research received no external funding.

References

  • 1
    Fettman N, Sanford T, Sindwani R. Surgical Management of the Deviated Septum: Techniques in Septoplasty. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42:241-52, viii.
  • 2
    Gray LP. Deviated Nasal Septum. Incidence and Etiology. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol Suppl. 1978;87:3-20.
  • 3
    Mladina R, Cujić E, Subarić M, Vuković K. Nasal Septal Deformities in Ear, Nose, and Throat Patients: An International Study. Am J Otolaryngol. 2008;29:75-82.
  • 4
    Most SP. Anterior Septal Reconstruction: Outcomes after a Modified Extracorporeal Septoplasty Technique. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006;8:202-7.
  • 5
    Lee SB, Jang YJ. Treatment Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty Compared with in Situ Septal Correction in Rhinoplasty. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2014;16:328-34.
  • 6
    Gubisch W. Treatment of the Scoliotic Nose with Extracorporeal Septoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2015;23:11-22.
  • 7
    Guyuron B. Rhinoplasty. 1st ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier/Saunders; 2012:307-309.
  • 8
    Most SP, Rudy SF. Septoplasty: Basic and Advanced Techniques. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2017;25:161-9.
  • 9
    Song HM, Kim J-S, Lee B-J, Jang YJ. Deviated Nose Cartilaginous Dorsum Correction Using a Dorsal L-Strut Cutting and Suture Technique. Laryngoscope. 2008;118:981-6.
  • 10
    Boccieri A, Pascali M. Septal Crossbar Graft for the Correction of the Crooked Nose. Plast Reconstru Surg. 2003;111:629-38.
  • 11
    Kim JH, Kim D-Y, Jang YJ. Outcomes after Endonasal Septoplasty Using Caudal Septal Batten Grafting. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2011;25:e166-70.
  • 12
    Metzenbaum M. Replacement of the lower end of the dislocated septal cartilage versus submucous resection of the dislocated end of the septal cartilage. Arch Otolaryngol. 1929;9:282-96.
  • 13
    Sedwick JD, Lopez AB, Gajewski BJ, Simons RL. Caudal Septoplasty for Treatment of Septal Deviation: Aesthetic and Functional Correction of the Nasal Base. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2005;7:158-62.
  • 14
    Haack J, Papel ID. Caudal Septal Deviation. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42:427-36.
  • 15
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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    28 June 2024
  • Date of issue
    2024

History

  • Received
    22 Aug 2023
  • Accepted
    26 Dec 2023
  • Published
    22 Feb 2024
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