Open technique rhinoplasty

Synopsis

■
Accurate preoperative analysis and clinical diagnosis set the foundation for successful primary open rhinoplasty.
■
Open rhinoplasty allows anatomic exposure, identification, and correction of nasal deformities.
■
Component dorsal hump reduction and reconstitution of the dorsum allow accurate and incremental reduction of the nasal dorsum while preventing problems with internal valve collapse or dorsal irregularities.
■
Nasal tip suturing techniques allow control of definition without damaging the osseocartilaginous framework and compromising support.
■
Knowledge of the normal course of recovery and potential complications is key to managing patient expectations in the postoperative period.

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Introduction

Rhinoplasty remains one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgical procedures in plastic surgery in the US. The trend in rhinoplasty over the past three decades has shifted away from ablative techniques involving excessive reduction of the osseocartilaginous framework to conserving the native anatomy with cartilage sparing, augmentation of deficient areas, and suture techniques to correct contour deformities and restore structural support. Emphasis on preoperative analysis and clinical diagnosis, refinements in techniques, and the popularization of the open approach in rhinoplasty ( Box 19.1 ) have advanced the understanding of nasal anatomy and nasal surgery, leading to more predictable and consistent aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Box 19.1

Advantages and disadvantages of the open approach

Advantages

Binocular visualization
Evaluation of complete deformity without distortion
Precise diagnosis and correction of deformities
Allows use of both hands
More options with original tissues and cartilage grafts
Direct control of bleeding with electrocautery
Suture stabilization of grafts (invisible and visible)

Disadvantages

External nasal incision (transcolumellar scar)
Prolonged operative time
Protracted nasal tip edema
Columellar incision separation
Delayed wound healing

Success in primary rhinoplasty is predicated on comprehensive perioperative care of the patient. Accurate preoperative analysis and clinical diagnosis, identification of both the patient's expectations and the surgeon's goals, and a thorough review of the plan of care and expected postoperative recovery will form the foundation for a successful experience for both patient and surgeon. Intraoperatively, adequate anatomic exposure of the nasal deformity, preservation and restoration of the normal anatomy, correction of the deformity using incremental control, maintenance and restoration of the nasal airway, and recognition of the dynamic interplays between the multiple maneuvers lead to excellence in execution. Finally, care and reassurance during postoperative recovery will lead to increased patient satisfaction.

Basic science/disease process

A thorough knowledge of nasal anatomy and understanding of nasal airflow and physiology are the foundations for successful aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty. Nasal anatomy is covered in detail in [CR] , and nasal airflow and physiology is covered in depth in Chapter 22 . Deformities of the external and internal nose can be congenital or acquired, and may be secondary to soft-tissue and/or osseocartilaginous abnormalities, leading to aesthetic and/or functional consequences.

Diagnosis/patient presentation

Consultation

The initial consultation for rhinoplasty serves as an opportunity for the surgeon to obtain the patient's nasal history and perform a nasal examination. In addition, the surgeon should solicit the expectations of the patient. If the patient is a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty, informed consent should be obtained and preoperative instructions are given, along with a general overview of postoperative care. Each patient should receive an information sheet containing this information ( Fig. 19.1 ).

Figure 19.1, Patient information sheet and informed consent for rhinoplasty.

Historical perspective

The first recorded treatment of nasal injuries dates back to approximately 3000 BCE on the Egyptian surgical papyrus. Translated by Edwin Smith and later by James H. Breasted, this document contained descriptions of the diagnosis and treatment of three nasal fractures. Reconstructive surgery for nasal deformities is described as early as 600 BCE. In India, facial mutilation, especially of the nose, was practiced on adulterers, thieves, and other criminals as a method of humiliation and stigmatization. In northern India, Sushruta, a member of a lowly priestly class, described techniques to transfer forehead and cheek skin to reconstruct the nose. In the fourteenth century, descriptions of nasal reconstruction again appear after a long period of quiescence during the Dark Ages, as the Renaissance brought forth advances in science and medicine. In Italy, Branca practiced the Indian methods for nasal reconstruction. His son modified these techniques by utilizing a delayed pedicled skin flap from the arm. This technique came to be known as the Italian method and was later reported by Benedetti, predating Gaspare Taglicozzi's description in 1597. In the early nineteenth century, Carl von Graefe modified the Italian method by using a skin graft from the arm instead of a delayed pedicled skin flap. In 1845, another German, Johann Friedrich Dieffenbach, described external excisions of nasal soft tissue and cartilage to reduce excessively large noses. Dieffenbach was one of the first to describe nasal surgery for aesthetic improvement of the nose. John Orlando Roe, an American otolaryngologist, is credited with describing the first aesthetic rhinoplasty and introduced the endonasal approach. In 1887, Roe published “The deformity termed ‘pug nose’ and its correction, by a simple operation”, and in 1891, “The correction of angular deformities of the nose by a subcutaneous operation”. Roe's descriptions precede those of Jacques Joseph, a German orthopedic surgeon often regarded as the father of modern rhinoplasty, by 11 years. In 1898, Joseph published his experience with reduction rhinoplasty using external excisions similar to Dieffenbach. Joseph's first report of the endonasal approach was in 1905. However, Joseph is often regarded as the father of modern rhinoplasty given his contribution to the analysis, classification, and repair of various nasal deformities. In the first half of the twentieth century, the emergence of plastic surgery as a specialty was spurred forward by experience gained reconstructing devastating war injuries. The second half of the twentieth century saw significant contributions to the rhinoplasty literature enhancing preoperative assessment and diagnosis, management of the nasal airway, cartilage grafting techniques and popularization of the open approach to rhinoplasty.

Nasal history

During the nasal history, the surgeon should obtain information on the patient's medical and emotional suitability to undergo rhinoplasty. In addition to reviewing the patient's past medical history, the patient should be asked specifically about a history of allergic disorders, including hay fever and asthma, and other problems including vasomotor rhinitis and sinusitis. These conditions should be well controlled prior to rhinoplasty. However, exacerbations of these conditions may occur in the postoperative period and may persist for several weeks to months; the patient should be informed about this before surgery. Nasal obstruction is usually found in patients with a long history of allergic rhinitis secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Engorgement of the inferior turbinates causes these symptoms to be worse at night. Patients with allergies or asthma associated with nasal obstruction may also have nasal polyps. Prior nasal trauma and surgeries including rhinoplasty, septal reconstruction/septoplasty, and sinus surgery should be noted. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and use of illicit drugs, in particular cocaine, can compromise outcomes. Medications including acetylsalicylic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, fish oil, and certain herbal supplements may cause increased risk of bleeding and postoperative ecchymosis.

As with other aesthetic procedures, assessment of the emotional stability of the patient is critical when evaluating the patient seeking rhinoplasty. Motivating factors should be identified and the surgeon must differentiate between healthy and unhealthy reasons for seeking rhinoplasty. Feelings of inadequacy, immaturity, family conflicts, divorce, and other major life changes may be unhealthy motivating factors behind the patient seeking aesthetic surgery. Poor postoperative patient satisfaction is often based on emotional dissatisfaction as opposed to technical failure, and this can be avoided by preoperative identification of these unhealthy motivating factors.

Nasal examination

Nasal examination includes both external nasal analysis ( Box 19.2 ) and internal nasal exam ( Box 19.3 ). In addition, facial analysis plays a key role in achieving facial harmony after rhinoplasty. External nasal examination provides information about the underlying osseocartilaginous framework. Nasal skin is typically thinner and more mobile superiorly and thicker around the nasal tip. Skin is thinnest over the osseocartilaginous junction and thickest over the nasion and supratip area. Nasal skin characteristics such as thick sebaceous or thin skin will influence the outcome and recovery following rhinoplasty. Patients with thick nasal skin are prone to prolonged postoperative edema and scar formation, requiring a longer recovery. Manipulation of the osseocartilaginous framework will be less evident in patients with thick nasal skin, while subtle changes will be visible in patients with thin skin. Thick skin will limit the degree of definition that can be achieved during rhinoplasty. Systematic nasal analysis is important to identify deformities, evaluate anatomical relationships, and establish goals for surgery. This is covered in depth in Chapter 18 .

Box 19.2

Systematic nasal analysis

Frontal view

Facial proportions
Skin type/quality – Fitzpatrick type, thin or thick, sebaceous
Symmetry and nasal deviation – midline, C-, reverse C-, or S-shaped deviation
Bony vault – narrow or wide, asymmetrical, short or long nasal bones
Midvault – narrow or wide, collapse, inverted-V deformity
Dorsal aesthetic lines – straight, symmetrical or asymmetrical, well- or ill-defined, narrow or wide
Nasal tip – ideal/bulbous/boxy/pinched, supratip, tip-defining points, infratip lobule
Alar rims – gull-shaped, facets, notching, retraction
Alar base – width
Upper lip – long or short, dynamic depressor septi nasi muscles, upper lip crease

Lateral view

Nasofrontal angle – acute or obtuse, high or low radix
Nasal length – long or short
Dorsum – smooth, hump, scooped out
Supratip – break, fullness, pollybeak
Tip projection – over- or underprojected
Tip rotation – over- or under-rotated
Alar–columellar relationship – hanging or retracted alae, hanging or retracted columella
Periapical hypoplasia – maxillary or soft-tissue deficiency
Lip–chin relationship – normal, deficient

Basal view

Nasal projection – over- or underprojected, columellar–lobular ratio
Nostril – symmetrical or asymmetrical, long or short
Columella – septal tilt, flaring of medial crura
Alar base – width
Alar flaring

Box 19.3

Internal nasal examination

External valve – collapse
Internal valve – narrowing, collapse
Mucosa – edema, irritation
Inferior turbinates – hypertrophy
Septum – deviation, tilt, spurs, perforation, cartilage
Masses – polyps, tumors

Prior to performing internal nasal examination, external evaluation of the nasal airway should be performed. In particular, collapse of the external nasal valve on deep inspiration and a Cottle test should be performed. Internal nasal examination is aided with the use of a nasal speculum. If mucosal edema is present, the use of oxymetazoline nasal spray facilitates mucosal constriction. Internal valve narrowing or collapse with inspiration should be noted. Inferior turbinate hypertrophy, which typically occurs on the side opposite septal deviation, should be noted. Septal deformities including deviation, tilt, spurs, and perforations are identified. The quality and the quantity of available septal cartilage are assessed as this is the primary source of autogenous graft material. To assess for the presence of septal cartilage in the secondary rhinoplasty patient, a cotton-tipped applicator is inserted into one nostril and moved along the septum from the floor of the nasal cavity towards the dorsum while feeling for a step-off. Presence of a step-off may indicate previous septal cartilage harvest and necessitate the discussion of possible harvest of ear or costal cartilage. The presence of nasal polyps or tumors may require further investigation and treatment.

Imaging

Standardized photography is obtained for every patient presenting for rhinoplasty and includes frontal, lateral, oblique, and basal views of the patient. These are a critical component of the medical record for preoperative planning and evaluation of postoperative results. It is useful to review photographs with the patient to identify areas of concern that can be addressed with surgery and deformities that may persist after surgery including notches, grooves, and irregularities. In addition, facial disproportions and asymmetries should be pointed out to the patient as these may require additional surgery to address.

The use of computer imaging in aesthetic surgery is becoming increasingly common. These techniques allow the surgeon to simulate the proposed nasal changes and enable the patient to view and analyze them before surgery. This may alleviate anxiety and allow the patient to participate in the planning process. Imaging or other predictive tools can demonstrate the limitations of the procedure and help to establish realistic expectations. All images that are viewed are only a representationof the result that could be achieved through the proposed surgery. Imaging is used as an educational tool to benefit the patient and should not be presented as a guarantee of the result.

Expectations

Identifying the patient's expectations preoperatively is a key component to postoperative patient satisfaction and successful rhinoplasty. The patient should list specific concerns about his or her nasal appearance and/or function. Common concerns include asymmetry, tip deformities, dorsum irregularities, and nasal airway obstruction. The patient should attempt to rank these concerns in order of importance. Taking all of this into account, the surgeon has to determine if the patient's expectations are realistic and can be met adequately. Most patients have realistic expectations for surgery and can understand the limitations of rhinoplasty with adequate discussion and review of photographs with the surgeon. Reviewing photographs with the patient allows the patient to appreciate different views of their face and nose which can help them identify specific areas of concern for the surgeon to address. A patient that focuses on minor or uncorrectable problems or has unrealistic expectations despite extensive discussion will likely be disappointed following surgery regardless of the aesthetic improvement; it is better to avoid operating on these patients.

Informed consent

Prior to surgery, informed consent should be obtained following discussion about the surgery, alternative treatments, and disclosure of risks. The patient should be made aware of the possibility of additional surgery in the event of a complication or the need for revisionary surgery and his or her financial responsibilities if this situation were to arise.

Patient selection

After completion of a detailed nasal history and examination, and the patient's concerns and expectations have been discussed, the surgeon can decide if the patient is a good candidate for rhinoplasty. In general, the ideal candidate for surgery has legitimate concerns and realistic expectations, is secure and well informed, and understands the limitations of surgery. The acronym SYLVIA has been used to describe the ideal patient: S ecure, Y oung, L istens, V erbal, I ntelligent, and A ttractive. The poor candidate for surgery has excessive concerns about minimal deformities and unrealistic expectations, is insecure and poorly informed, and fails to recognize the limitations of surgery. The acronym SIMON has been used to describe this patient: S ingle, I mmature, M ale, O verly expectant, and N arcissistic traits. These patients are likely to be unsatisfied following surgery regardless of the aesthetic improvement. They should be approached with caution and in most cases should not be operated on.

Treatment surgical technique

Anesthesia and preoperative management ( )

It is our preference to perform primary open rhinoplasty under general endotracheal anesthesia. Following induction and intubation with a Mallinckrodt endotracheal tube, a moist throat pack is placed to prevent intragastric blood leading to postoperative nausea and vomiting. The patient is positioned biased towards the side of the operating room table that the surgeon is on and, also, so that their head is slightly past the head of the operating room table allowing moderate hyperextension of the neck improving visualization for the surgeon.

Prior to sterile prep, the nose and septum are infiltrated with approximately 10 mL 1% lidocaine with 1 : 100,000 epinephrine. Injection in the submucoperichondrial plane of the nasal septum is performed followed by infiltration of the soft-tissue envelope. Injection of the highly vascular areas of the nose including the columella, tip, dorsum, lateral sidewalls, alar base, and along the caudal margin of the lower lateral cartilages is important for hemostasis. If inferior turbinate surgery is anticipated, the anterior head of the inferior turbinates are also injected. Oxymetazoline-soaked cottonoid pledgets are inserted into the nasal cavities. One drop of methylene blue is instilled in the oxymetazoline to differentiate this from the local anesthesia and prevent inadvertent injection. Typically, two or three cottonoid pledgets are placed in each nasal cavity. Comparable hemostasis can be obtained using lidocaine with oxymetazoline while avoiding the use of a controlled substance with potential cardiac effects as seen with cocaine.

A headlight is worn to assist in visualization of the internal nasal structures. The entire face and neck are prepped sterilely, which allows for intraoperative assessment of the nose in relation to the rest of the face.

Incisions and approach

Adequate exposure during primary open rhinoplasty is best obtained using a transcolumellar incision with infracartilaginous extensions. Several transcolumellar incisions are commonly used including stair-step, inverted-V, and transverse incisions. Blood supply to the nasal tip is preserved with the transcolumellar incision provided that extensive subdermal defatting of the nasal tip or extensive alar base resections above the alar grooves are not performed. We prefer to use a stair-step incision, which camouflages the scar, provides landmarks for accurate closure, and prevents linear scar contracture. Broken-line transcolumellar incisions may lead to better scar formation and less notching.

The stair-step transcolumellar incision is made at the narrowest part of the columella, which is typically at its midportion ( Fig. 19.2 ). A No. 15 blade scalpel is used to superficially incise the skin, avoiding damage to the underlying medial crura. The incision is carried into the nasal vestibule and then continued along the caudal border of the medial crus towards the middle crus of the lower lateral cartilage. After everting the ala using external digital pressure against a double hook placed within the alar rim, a separate incision is started at the caudal border of the lateral crura and connected with the medial incision, caudal to the middle crus ( Fig. 19.3 ). The lower edge of the lateral crus can be palpated after the ala has been everted to assure precise infracartilaginous incision placement. Fine dissecting scissors are used to elevate the nasal skin in a supraperichondrial plane starting from the columellar incision in a superior direction to the nasal tip. Next, dissection is started over the lateral crus and continued in a medial direction connecting the supraperichondrial dissection planes over the middle crus. Dissection to elevate the nasal skin in the supraperichondrial plane is carried to just superior to the keystone area. A Joseph elevator is then used to elevate nasal skin in a subperiosteal plane off of nasal bones to radix. This dissection over the nasal bones is only performed in the central area to allow for bony dorsal hump reduction while the lateral soft tissue and periosteal attachments of the bony sidewall should not be disrupted, as they provide necessary stability to the bony vault after percutaneous osteotomies have been performed.

Figure 19.2, Transcolumellar stair-step incision.

$Figure 19.3, Transcolumellar stair-step incision with infracartilaginous extensions.$

Component dorsal hump reduction and dorsal reconstitution

An aesthetically pleasing nasal dorsum is critical to a successful result after rhinoplasty. Dorsal hump reduction without careful attention to the anatomic and physiologic functions of the nasal dorsum and internal nasal valve can lead to irregularities of the nasal dorsum, excessive narrowing of the midvault, the inverted-V deformity, and under-resection or over-resection of the osseocartilaginous hump. We prefer a graduated approach using component dorsal hump reduction ( Box 19.4 ) over earlier techniques of composite dorsal hump reduction. This incremental reduction of the osseocartilaginous structures of the nasal dorsum offers increased control and reproducibility over composite dorsal hump reduction performed with an osteotome.

Box 19.4

Component dorsal hump reduction

1.
Separation of the upper lateral cartilage from the septum
2.
Incremental reduction of the septum proper
3.
Incremental dorsal bony reduction (using a rasp)
4.
Verification by palpation
5.
Final modifications, if indicated (spreader grafts, suturing techniques, osteotomies)

The nasal dorsum is initially modified prior to addressing the nasal tip, which establishes balance between the dorsum and tip essential to achieving the optimal aesthetic result. Component dorsal hump reduction is performed using five essential steps: (1) separation of the upper lateral cartilage from the septum; (2) incremental reduction of the septum proper; (3) incremental dorsal bony reduction (using a rasp); (4) verification by palpation; and (5) final modifications, if indicated (spreader grafts, suturing techniques, osteotomies).

After dorsal undermining of the nasal soft tissues has been carried over the central aspect of the bony vault, the lower lateral cartilages are separated from each other and the septum by taking down the interdomal suspensory ligament. The creation of bilateral submucoperichondrial tunnels along the dorsal septum is essential prior to component dorsal hump reduction. This allows extramucosal resection of the osseocartilaginous components of the dorsal hump, preventing late cicatricial narrowing of the internal nasal valve and webbing of the vestibule causing potential nasal airway obstruction. The perichondrium is scored at the nasal septal angle with a No. 15 blade scalpel, and then using a Cottle elevator, dissection in a submucoperichondrial plane is performed from caudal to cephalad along the dorsal septum until the nasal bones are reached. Once in the correct plane, there should be little resistance elevating the mucoperichondrium off of the septal cartilage. The upper lateral cartilages are separated from the septum sharply using a No. 15 blade scalpel. By incising along the surface of the septal cartilage to separate the upper lateral cartilages, the transverse projections of the T-shaped dorsal septum are kept attached to the upper lateral cartilages ( Fig. 19.4 ). This helps to minimize the need for spreader grafts to maintain the internal valve. Following this, angled septal scissors are used to incrementally reduce the septal cartilage. This cartilage is saved and can be used later for grafts, including as a columellar strut graft if large enough. Preservation of the upper lateral cartilages during dorsal reduction of the cartilaginous septum is important in achieving smooth dorsal aesthetic lines, while equal resection of the septum and upper lateral cartilages results in rounding of the dorsum, and excessive resection of the upper lateral cartilages results in the inverted-V deformity. A down-biting diamond rasp is used to incrementally reduce the bony dorsum. Rasping should proceed along left and right dorsal aesthetic lines and then centrally, employing short excursions of the rasp for maximal control. Care is taken to avoid avulsing the attachments of the upper lateral cartilages from the undersurface of the nasal bones. If a large reduction of the bony dorsum is required, a guarded 8 mm osteotome can be used. The osteotomy should start at the caudal aspect of the nasal bones and is directed towards the radix. A rasp is used for final adjustments. In some circumstances, reduction of the upper lateral cartilages is indicated. Over-resection must be avoided to prevent internal valve collapse or long-term dorsal irregularities. Patients with short nasal bones and a high and narrow osseocartilaginous framework are at higher risk for these problems. Most importantly, after each incremental modification of the dorsum, the nasal skin is replaced and the contour of the nasal dorsum is assessed using the three-point dorsal palpation test avoiding over-resection of the dorsum.

Upper lateral cartilage tension spanning sutures are used to reapproximate the upper lateral cartilages to the septum to reconstitute the integrity of the nasal dorsum ( Fig. 19.5 ). In some cases, the upper lateral cartilages can also be used as autospreader flaps, maintaining the patency of the internal valves and contour of the dorsal aesthetic lines. Spreader grafts are indicated in primary rhinoplasty to recreate the dorsal aesthetic lines, widen the midvault, or correct the deviated nose ( Fig. 19.6 ). They may be fashioned from harvested septal cartilage and are typically 5–6 mm in height and 30–32 mm in length. They can be placed either unilaterally or bilaterally parallel to the dorsal septum. If indicated for improvement of the dorsal aesthetic lines, they can be visible, placed at or above the plane of the dorsal septum; and if only indicated to improve function of the internal nasal valve, they can be invisible, placed below the plane of the dorsal septum. Additionally, an extended spreader graft with its caudal extent projecting below the caudal septum can be used to lengthen the short nose. Spreader grafts are secured to the septum using 5-0 polydioxanone (PDS) horizontal mattress sutures. Overuse of spreader grafts in primary rhinoplasty can lead to excessive width of the midvault.

Figure 19.5, Upper lateral cartilage tension spanning sutures.

Following reconstitution of the cartilaginous midvault, percutaneous osteotomies are performed to correct widened or asymmetrical nasal bones, or close the open roof deformity if present after dorsal reduction. Osteotomies are discussed later in this chapter.

The nasal airway

Proper identification of causative factors of nasal airway obstruction is key to successful treatment. Nasal airway obstruction can have both medically and surgically correctable causes. Common surgically correctable causes include nasoseptal deviation, internal or external valve dysfunction, and inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Management of issues related to the nasal airway are covered in detail in Chapter 21 . However, septal reconstruction and inferior turbinoplasty/submucous resection are discussed here, as they are commonly performed during primary open rhinoplasty in the patient with nasal airway obstruction secondary to septal deviation or inferior turbinate hypertrophy, respectively.

Septal reconstruction

Septal deviation can involve deviation of the septal cartilage, perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, or vomer away from the midline, and can cause obstruction of one or both of the nasal airways, along with external deviation of the nose. In our experience, nasal deviations can be classified into three basic types: caudal septal deviations, concave dorsal deformities, and concave/convex dorsal deformities ( Box 19.5 ). Septal tilt is the most common type, where the quadrangular cartilage and perpendicular plate of the ethmoid are straight but the quadrangular cartilage is tilted to one side of the maxillary crest internally. Hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate contralateral to the side of internal deviation is usually present. Correction of septal deviation is key to improving nasal airflow and correcting the deviated nose.

Box 19.5

Classification of nasal deviations

I.
Caudal septal deviation
- a.
  Straight septal tilt
- b.
  Concave deformity (C-shaped)
- c.
  S-shaped deformity
II.
Concave dorsal deformity
- a.
  C-shaped dorsal deformity
- b.
  Reverse C-shaped dorsal deformity
III.
Concave/convex dorsal deformity (S-shaped)

The following principles are used to correct nasal deviation and perform septal reconstruction: (1) exposure of all deviated structures through the open approach; (2) release of all mucoperichondrial attachments to the septum, especially the deviated part; (3) straightening of the septum, and if necessary septal reconstruction, while maintaining a 10 mm or wider caudal and dorsal L-strut; (4) correction of any caudal septal deviation after the posterior septum has been reconstructed; (5) correction of dorsal septal deviations with cartilage grafting and/or scoring techniques; (6) restoration of long-term support with buttressing caudal septal batten or dorsal nasal spreader grafts; (7) if necessary, submucous resection of hypertrophied inferior turbinates; and (8) precisely planned and executed external percutaneous osteotomies.

As opposed to septoplasty, where the septal cartilage is scored in an attempt to straighten it, or submucosal resection, where the majority of the septum is removed other than the L-strut, septal reconstruction differs in that only the portion of the septum causing airway obstruction is removed, with the idea that native cartilage is preserved. It is of critical importance to preserve an L-strut of septal cartilage for structural integrity. The technique for septal reconstruction is similar to that for septal cartilage harvest and is discussed later in this chapter.

Inferior outfracture/limited submucous resection

The turbinates exist as three or four bilateral extensions from the lateral nasal cavity. The inferior turbinate consists of highly vascular mucoperiosteum covering a thin semicircular conchal bone. It is involved in regulation of filtration and humidification of inspired air. In combination with the internal nasal valve, the anterior extent of the inferior turbinate can be responsible for up to two-thirds of the upper airway resistance. Posteriorly, the inferior turbinate diverges away from the nasal septum, allowing for reduced upper airway resistance in this area.

Inferior turbinoplasty is performed in patients with nasal airway obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy that is refractory to medical management. We prefer a more conservative surgical approach to correct inferior turbinate hypertrophy, as we have found it to be effective with low morbidity. Overly aggressive surgical management may be complicated by bleeding, mucosal crusting and desiccation, ciliary dysfunction, chronic infection, malodorous nasal drainage, or atrophic rhinitis. In most cases, inferior turbinoplasty with outfracture of the inferior turbinate and, in some cases, limited submucous resection, is adequate to achieve significant improvement ( Fig. 19.7 ).

$Figure 19.7, Inferior turbinate outfracture and submucous resection.$

After removal of the previously placed oxymetazoline-soaked cottonoid pledgets, the inferior turbinates are inspected after vasoconstriction of the overlying mucosa has occurred. In cases of inferior turbinate mucosal hypertrophy, a long Vienna speculum is used to outfracture the inferior turbinates. In cases of inferior turbinate bony hypertrophy, limited submucous resection of the inferior turbinate is indicated. Outfracture is performed so that the entire inferior turbinate is microfractured laterally to open the nasal cavity. Limited submucous resection is performed using needle point electrocautery to incise the inferior border of the anterior 1–2 cm of the inferior turbinate down to the conchal bone. A Cottle elevator is used to develop a medially based submucoperichondrial flap to expose the portion of the conchal bone to be resected. Takahashi forceps are used to sharply resect the bone from the anterior third of the turbinate. The mucoperichondrial flap is replaced down over the cut edge of the conchal bone; no suturing is necessary as this will adhere to the raw surface. Replacement of the flap will avoid postoperative hemorrhage or crusting.

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