Lateral rhinotomy.

The lateral rhinotomy is a technique which affords excellent exposure of the nasal cavity and lateral nasal wall and creates minimal cosmetic or functional disability. The approach will allow excision of the lateral nasal wall from the anterior tip of the turbinates to the eustachian tube and from the cribriform plate and roof of the ethmoid to the floor of the nose     

Temperature and humidity profile of the anterior nasal airways of patients with nasal septal perforation

INTRODUCTION: The most frequent symptoms of patients with nasal septal perforations are crusting and bleeding. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of septal perforations on temperature and humidity of the anterior nasal airways. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Intranasal temperature and humidity were measured in the nasal valve area, the anterior turbinate area and in the nasopharynx during normal respiration. A miniaturized thermocouple and a humidity sensor were used for continuous detection. Ten patients with septal perforations were enclosed into the study. The results were compared to matched healthy control subjects. RESULTS: There were no significant differences of the temperature and humidity values between the left and right side of the nasal cavity in each study group. At the end of inspiration, nasal air temperature did not differ significantly between the two study groups. The humidity values at the end of inspiration were statistically significantly lower in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal septal perforations seem to be related to lower humidity in the anterior nasal airways during inspiration. Reduced humidity may contribute to crusting as a main symptom.     

Septal cartilage graft for nasal valve incompetence associated with deviated septum

BACKGROUND: The nasal valve is one of the major factors contributing to nasal airflow obstruction. Physiologically, the nasal valve offers the greatest resistance to nasal airflow and generally functions as an inflow device controlling nasal airflow and resistance. Many patients who have complaints of breathing impairment are affected by alterations of the nasal septum, the turbinates, the columellar base, the vestibule floor, or the lateral wall of the nose but may have associated incompetence of the nasal valve, which is too often undervalued by nasal surgeons. The aim of this study was to propose a relatively easy surgical technique to correct most nasal valve impairments associated with nasal septum deviation whether or not there also is inferior turbinate hypertrophy. METHODS: Between May 2004 and September 2006, 68 patients (26 women and 42 men; mean age, 37 years; range, 16-71 years) underwent primary or secondary functional nasal surgery, because of a nasal respiratory obstruction caused by nasal septal deviation eventually associated with inferior turbinates hypertrophy, and also demonstrated nasal valvular incompetence. A septal cartilage graft was used to correct the valvular incompetence. RESULTS: On postoperative visits almost all of the patients (with one exception) showed a remarkable improvement in the stiffening of the valvular region and had only minimal depression of the nostril during deep inspiration. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that septal grafts were useful in the surgical management of nasal respiratory impairment because of nasal valve incompetence, where there had been flaccid mobile collapse of the ala of the nose associated with septal alterations.     

Clinical 22-case study of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia subjects undergoing nasal dermoplasty

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT)-a systemic autosomal dominant disorder adversely affecting skin, mucous membranes, and visceral blood vessels-typically shows epistaxis. In this pathological condition, even minor stimulation may cause bleeding and hemostasis is unlikely to occur. Subjects with HHT showing severe nasal bleeding require nasal dermoplasty (ND). We report our experience in 22 cases of HHT undergoing ND seen from January 2000 to November 2009. Average age at surgery was 55.8 years. Since April 2008, we modified ND, cut the harvested skin graft from the lateral thigh in halves and spread each strip on the anterior halves of the nasal cavity. Placement was circumferential in the sequence of agger nasi, nasal valve, septum, floor, and inferior turbinate. Before this technique was used, bleeding could not be controlled in 3 of 14 cases. Two of the 3 had histories of arterial embolization. Subjects undergoing the new technique have enjoyed improved quality of life.     

Endoscopic Repairment of Septal Perforation with Using a Unilateral Nasal Mucosal Flap

Objectives

Nasal septal perforation is an anatomic defect of the cartilaginous and bone tissues of the nasal septum. Many approaches and techniques to repair nasal septal perforations have been reported on. The purpose of this paper is to report on our surgical technique and the results of the treatment for nasal septal perforations.

Methods

From May 2001 to March 2008, 14 patients (12 males and 2 females; mean age: 41.3 yr) were enrolled. The mean perforation size was 15 mm, and all the perforations were located at the cartilaginous portion. Our surgical technique is based on an endoscope-assisted endonasal approach, with dissection of unilateral advanced mucosal flaps with using a temporalis fascia graft. The follow-up periods ranged from 3 to 23 months (mean follow-up period: 8 months).

Results

Using our surgical technique on 14 patients, 12 cases (85.7%) of septal perforation were closed without complication. The remaining two patients (14.3%) had incomplete closures (about 2-3 mm) without any significant symptoms related to the remaining perforation.

Conclusion

Our technique is a viable procedure with a high success rate for achieving closure of nasal septal perforations. It has the advantages of shortening the operative time, no external incision and avoiding any other perforation during the operation. Therefore, we consider it to be a good alternative for repairing nasal septal perforations.     

鼻中隔穿孔57例临床分析

目的分析鼻中隔穿孔的原因、部位和大小。方法收集57例鼻中隔穿孔患者的临床资料。以四方软骨与筛骨垂直板的交界线将鼻中隔分为前部和后部。根据穿孔大小将鼻中隔穿孔分为大（〉2cm）、中（1～2cm）、小穿孔（〈1cm）。结果57例鼻中隔穿孔患者中,因传统鼻中隔偏曲矫正术引起33例,其中前部穿孔30例,后部穿孔3例;小穿孔8例,中等穿孔15例,大穿孔10例。原发性因素（未知因素）引起7例,均为前部穿孔,其中小穿孔1例,中等穿孔4例,大穿孔2例。创伤引起5例,其中前部穿孔3例,后部穿孔2例;中等穿孔3例,大穿孔2例。化疗引起5例,其中前部穿孔2例,后部穿孔3例;小穿孔1例,中等穿孔3例,大穿孔1例。感染引起5例,均为前部穿孔;其中小穿孔2例,中等穿孔2例,大穿孔1例。肿瘤侵犯引起2例,均为后部穿孔及中等穿孔。结论传统鼻中隔偏曲矫正术是鼻中隔穿孔的主要原因,其部位以前部多见,大多为中等穿孔。     

A new method of nasal dermoplasty (MW grafting method) in patients with large septal perforation

Nasal dermoplasty is effective in controlling epistaxis in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Skin graft take failure occurs mostly in cases of large septal perforation. The MW method was developed as a modification of nasal dermoplasty designed for patients with HHT having a large septal perforation. It seems to be a safe and effective approach and should be tried for recurrent bleeders with septal perforation.     

An approach to large nasoseptal perforations and attendant deformity

Six patients with symptomatic large anterior septal perforations were treated for relief of symptoms and the frequently concomitant saddle-nose deformity. The patients required large anteriorly and posteriorly based rotation flaps consisting of mucoperiosteum from the floor, lateral wall, and inferior turbinate of the nose.     

Natural history and control of epistaxis in a group of German patients with Rendu-Osler-Weber disease

INTRODUCTION: Epistaxis is the most common symptom of a complex, genetically determined vasculopathy, which is known under the notion hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT, Rendu-Osler-Weber-syndrome). This study was initiated to gain more knowledge about the natural history of epistaxis in a German HHT-population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of 49 HHT patients were ascertained by interviewing these patients with a standardized disease specific questionnaire. Patients' files were retrospectively reviewed for data concerning age, gender, past medical history, laboratory parameters, number of hospital admissions for epistaxis, conservative and operative types of therapy, treatment results and follow-up. MAIN RESULT: Epistaxis was the first and most prominent symptom in 93% of the patients and could be triggered most frequently by stress. Half of the patients had experienced first episodes of epistaxis in childhood, but usually epistaxis did not become troublesome before the age of 35 years. The effects of hormonal changes or therapies with systemic hormones were inconclusive with regard to impact on epistaxis. Patients with septal perforations had to be admitted for inpatient epistaxis treatment more frequently than patients with an intact nasal septum. An overall reduction of frequency and intensity of epistaxis could be achieved in 89% of the patients through the daily use of nasal lubricants and a minimum of two treatment sessions with the Nd:YAG laser. However in none of the cases the treatment results were permanent. More than 50% of the patients, who had been screened for visceral arteriovenous malformations, were positive for pathologic vascular lesions. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSION: The natural history of epistaxis in German HHT patients is similar to previously described entities from other parts of the world. First clinical signs of HHT may be present at an earlier age than previously thought.     

Clinical strategy in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

BACKGROUND: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a recurrent bleeding tendency caused by vascular malformations and preferentially involving the mucous membrane of the nose. The rhinological management of epistaxis is a challenge in which the frequency of bleeding has to be reduced without damage to the nasal mucosa, despite the fact that therapy necessarily has to be repeated. METHODS: The clinical course in 30 patients with HHT was monitored prospectively. Nasal mucosal efflorescences underwent Nd:YAG laser therapy at individually defined intervals, and the effect on the frequency and duration of bleeding was documented, as were adverse effects. RESULTS: No serious adverse effects (e.g., septal defects or synechiae) were observed as a consequence of therapy. During the course of laser therapy and ongoing compliance with nasal mucosal care instructions, the frequency of bleeding fell from "several times daily" to "every 2 weeks." CONCLUSION: In conjunction with Nd:YAG laser therapy, ongoing and consistent care of the nasal mucosa is a proven and effective treatment regimen in HHT. As an integral element in an interdisciplinary strategy for diagnosis and therapy, this regimen yields satisfactory quality of life while avoiding local complications.     

A novel reconstructive technique after endoscopic expanded endonasal approaches: vascular pedicle nasoseptal flap

BACKGROUND: In patients with large dural defects of the anterior and ventral skull base after endonasal skull base surgery, there is a significant risk of a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak after reconstruction. Reconstruction with vascularized tissue is desirable to facilitate rapid healing, especially in irradiated patients. METHODS: We developed a neurovascular pedicled flap of the nasal septum mucoperiosteum and mucoperichondrium based on the nasoseptal artery, a branch of the posterior septal artery (Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap [HBF]). A retrospective review of patients undergoing endonasal skull base surgery at the University of Rosario, Argentina, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was performed to identify patients who were reconstructed with a vascularized septal mucosal flap. RESULTS: Forty-three patients undergoing endonasal cranial base surgery were repaired with the septal mucosal flap. Two patients with postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks (5%) were successfully treated with focal fat grafts. We encountered no infectious or wound complications in this series of patients. One patient experienced a posterior nose bleed from the posterior nasal artery. This was controlled with electrocautery and the flap blood supply was preserved. CONCLUSION: The HBF is a versatile and reliable reconstructive technique for defects of the anterior, middle, clival, and parasellar skull base. Its use has resulted in a sharp decrease in the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks after endonasal skull base surgery and is recommended for the reconstruction of large dural defects and when postoperative radiation therapy is anticipated.     

Fibrinkleber bei Septumplastik

The routine procedure after correction of septal deviations is the utilization of endonasal packing in order to avoid septal haematoma. However, the mechanical pressure of this packing damages the mucociliar activity of the mucosa and causes lymphoedema by blocking the lymphatic vessels. Besides it represents a foreign body within the nose causing pain and unpleasant feeling for the patient. In order to avoid these disadvantages, in 57 patients we used fibrin glue instead of nasal packing. After correction of the septal deviation the two mucoperichondrium blades where fixed together with Tissucol Duo Quick. This technique not only leads to haemostasis, but also provides fixation of the newly modeled septum. In only one patient we found a small unilateral septal haematoma, in all other cases the postoperative period showed no complications. Patients had a significant reduction of endonasal crusts and postoperative swelling. Patients comfort increased significant without the (standard) nasal packing.     

New classification of nasal vasculature patterns in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

BACKGROUND: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a disorder characterized by the triad of recurrent epistaxis, telangiectasia, and a family history of the disease. Management of recalcitrant epistaxis in HHT remains a challenging problem for otolaryngologists. The precise coagulation of telangiectasias with the Nd-YAG laser has shown efficacy in the treatment:of HHT-associated epistaxis, but results can be variable and patient selection is critical in ensuring a successful outcome. We propose a new classification of nasal vasculature patterns in HHT as a means for selecting the Nd-YAG laser for photocoagulation treatment. METHODS: The records of 40 patients who underwent Nd-YAG laser photocoagulation for HHT were reviewed retrospectively. Outcomes after Nd-YAG laser treatment were correlated with three observed nasal vasculature patterns: (I) isolated punctate telangiectasias or individual small arteriovenous malformation; (II) diffuse interconnecting vasculature with "feeder" vessels; and (III) large solitary arteriovenous malformation, which may be associated with scattered telangiectasia. RESULTS: Types I and II were the most common vasculature patterns seen in this patient population. Patients with patterns I and III showed greater improvement in epistaxis after Nd-YAG laser photocoagulation. Patients with pattern II fared better with septodermoplasty. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that analysis of nasal vasculature patterns can improve therapeutic stratification of.patients with HHT. Proper patient selection using this new classification scheme may improve the management of epistaxis in patients with HHT.     

鼻内镜下应用脱细胞真皮基质及鼻底黏膜瓣修补鼻中隔穿孔

目的 探讨鼻内镜下应用人异体脱细胞真皮基质联合带蒂的鼻底黏膜瓣修补鼻中隔穿孔的可行性和疗效.方法 2006年2月至2010年10月共12例鼻中隔穿孔患者,临床主要表现为鼻塞及穿孔周边结痂.12例中8例为医源性.12例患者鼻中隔穿孔均位于鼻中隔前中部,穿孔直径约1.0～2.3 cm.鼻内镜下在穿孔前缘下部纵向切开残存鼻中隔黏骨膜至鼻底,并沿鼻底横行外延至鼻腔外侧壁.在穿孔后缘后方约1.5 cm处切开鼻中隔黏骨膜至鼻底,并沿鼻底横行外延至鼻腔外侧壁.切开下鼻道处的鼻腔外侧壁黏骨膜,将上述二切口连通.沿上述切口剥离,形成蒂在鼻中隔的鼻底黏骨膜瓣,向前上旋转覆盖穿孔,与穿孔前方和上方边缘黏骨膜间断对位缝合.将脱细胞真皮基质补片贴附于右侧鼻腔穿孔处,基底膜面朝向鼻腔侧,与穿孔边缘黏骨膜间断对位缝合.结果 术后1周见脱细胞真皮基质补片及黏膜瓣与穿孔创缘愈合好,补片未见排斥反应和挛缩.鼻中隔黏膜在4周后基本上皮化.随访3个月至4年,11例修补成功,1例失败.未见手术并发症.结论 联合应用人异体脱细胞真皮基质和带蒂的鼻底黏骨膜瓣修补鼻中隔穿孔,手术方法简便,手术成功率高,是一种修补鼻中隔穿孔的有效方法.

Abstract：

Objective To introduce the method and evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic repair of nasal septal perforation with acellular dermal matrix and pedicled mucoperichondrial flap. Methods Twelve patients with perforation of nasal septum were encountered since February 2006 to October 2010. The most common symptoms and sings were nasal obstruction and crusting at the margin of the perforation. Eight of 12 patients were iatrogenic following surgery. The perforation typically located at anterior medial part of the nasal septum, with their sizes ranged approximately 1. 0 -2. 3 cm in diameter. The incision was made at the anterior edge of the perforation from the left nasal cavity and continued to the nasal floor horizontally. It ended at the lateral nasal cavity. Then, another incision was made parallel to the first one, which was 1.5 cm from the posterior of the perforation. The two incisions was connected. The mucoperichondrium was stripped along with the incisions and the pedicle of mucoperichondrial flap kept on the nasal septum. Then,the flap was turned up to cover the perforation and fixed with apposition suture. Put the acellular dermal matrix graft on the perforation from the right nasal cavity and fixed it with apposition suture. Results The healing of the acellular dermal matrix and mucoperichondrium was good in the first week postoperatively and there was no rejective reaction and contracture. The epithelization of the nasal septal perforation finished 4 weeks after surgery. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 4 years. Eleven patients had successful outcomes with complete closure of their perforations. One patient failed the operation. All of them had no complications. Conclusions Using acellular dermal matrix graft and mucoperichondrial flap to repair the septal perforation is a simple method and the success rate is high. Therefore, it is an effective way to repair the perforation of nasal septum.     

Über die dermoplastische Behandlung des Morbus Osler

Summary Eight cases of Hereditary Telangiectasis of the nose were treated surgically by septal dermoplasty. The mucosa of the anterior part of the nasal septum, the floor of the nasal cavity and the inferior turbinate was removed without interference to the perichondrium or periosteum and the denuded area was covered with a split thickness skin graft, taken from the thigh. In all patients the work was done through the nasal speculum and both sides of the nose were operated at one sitting. Bleeding was not severe in all cases but one which was managed by maxillary and ethmoidal ligation. In the follow-up period ranging from 5 months to 6 years only one case of recurrence of bleeding was observed, which was treated again surgically by dermoplasty.     

Repair of nasal septal perforations using auricular conchal cartilage graft in children: report on three cases and literature review

OBJECTIVES: Repair of nasal septal perforation is a challenging procedure. Numerous methods have been described to close nasoseptal perforations with varying degrees of success. The lack of a consensus on nasoseptal perforation repair reflects the shortcomings of each method. There has been a paucity of literature on nasoseptal repair in the paediatric age group. We report our experience of repair of nasal septal perforation secondary to button battery injury using auricular conchal cartilage in the paediatric population. METHODS: Retrospective review of case notes and close regular follow-up of the patients since their first presentations with button batteries as foreign bodies in the nose. RESULTS: Three out of the three children who underwent repair of the nasal septum achieved successful closure of the nasal septum. One child with a large septal perforation required three procedures to achieve closure of the perforation. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of nasal septal perforations is a challenging procedure especially in children. Good results can be achieved with auricular conchal cartilage graft.     

A new classification of septal deviations

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Existing nomenclatures of septal deviation deal with the deformation of the nasal septum exclusively and are rarely used in daily clinical work. The aim of this study was to develop a classification of septal deviations based upon the anatomical structures of the nasal septum and common clinical concepts. METHODS OF STUDY: We included patients undergoing septoplasty alone or in combination with rhinoplasty or functional endonasal sinus surgery by reason of septal deviation. Immediately after surgery, the surgeon recorded intraoperative findings of the nasal septum and the nasal turbinates in a data sheet and a standardized drawing for every patient. MAIN RESULTS: Data from 1088 patients were analyzed. Six types of septal deviations were identified. This new classification of septal deviations was developed with special regard to clinical anatomical findings. Leading as well as concomitant pathological findings were assigned to the six types of septal deviation. The frequencies of occurrence of hyperplasia of the inferior turbinate and concha bullosa of the middle turbinate were specified. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSION: The systematic assessment of relevant structures may help to develop improved surgical strategies. Furthermore, the systematic teaching of young surgeons to perform septal surgery may be facilitated.     

Acoustic rhinometry: evaluation of the nasal cavity with septal deviations, before and after septoplasty

We introduce acoustic rhinometry as a new, objective method to assess the geometry of the nasal cavity. The cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity as a function of distance from the nostrils was obtained. A group of 21 patients with septal deformities was examined with acoustic rhinometry preoperatively and postoperatively. These values were compared with those of 21 normal control subjects. The minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) is located in the anterior part of the nose, and it shifts anteriorly under the effect of decongestion. The preoperative value of MCA is related to the location and severity of the anterior septal deformity. Postoperative smaller MCA found in the opposite side of that narrowed by a severe anterior septal deformity may be explained by the impact of septoplasty without reduction of a hypertrophic turbinate. A highly significant relation between MCA and the subjective feeling of nasal patency, before and after surgery, suggests that MCA is a valuable parameter to express nasal patency. Correction of posterior septal deformities is found to increase significantly the cross-sectional area posteriorly. The effect of decongestion in the postoperative values, however, suggests that the mucosa contributes even more to the cross-sectional area of the posterior part of the nose. Acoustic rhinometry seems very suitable for evaluation of the nasal cavity in cases where septoplasty and turbinoplasty is considered, as well as for the postoperative evaluation.     

A prospective objective study of the cosmetic sequelae of nasal septal surgery

Conclusions: Following nasal septal surgery, minor aesthetic changes may occur in up to 39.5% of patients and major changes in up to 4.5%. As part of the informed consent procedure, the potential for cosmetic changes should be discussed with all patients undergoing nasal septal surgery. Objectives: To objectively measure aesthetic changes following nasal septal surgery using pre- and post-operative photographic documentation and to highlight issues surrounding informed consent for nasal septal surgery. Patients and methods: The study population comprised 75 patients undergoing nasal septal surgery (septoplasty, submucous resection or revision nasal septal surgery). The main outcome measures were measurement of aesthetic changes (tip projection, supra-tip depression and columella retraction) using standardized pre- and post-operative photographic documentation examined by two independent observers. Patients’ subjective perception of a change in shape of their nose was assessed using a visual analogue scale. The presence of any septal perforations was recorded at the follow-up visit (mean 15 months, range 8–13 months, standard deviation 4.2 months). Results: The agreement between the two observers was very good when we considered a 1 mm difference as insignificant. Changes were arbitrarily defined as minor if ≤2 mm, and major, if ≥3 mm. With tip projection there was a minor change in 39.5% and major in 4.5% of patients. Supra-tip changes were minor in 6.7% and major in 1.3%. Minor columella changes occurred in 22% of patients, but there were no major changes. There was no statistically significant correlation between patients’ subjective perception of changes in the shape of their nose with objectively measured changes. The septal perforation rate was 6.7%. Multivariate analyses (ANCOVA) showed no statistically significant influences of age, gender, grade of surgeon or type of nasal septal procedure.     

The nasal airflow in noses with septal perforation: a model study

BACKGROUND: Septal perforation is a common clinical problem in rhinology. Affected patients suffer from a dry nose, crusts as well as recurrent epistaxis and sometimes an inspiratory whistle. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying flow dynamic mechanisms. METHODS: The physical flow effects of such pathologies were examined in functional nose models (box models) and anatomically exact models of the nose. Therefore, septal perforations of different sizes and localisations were studied in straight and deviated nasal septa. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: It could be seen that the localisation of the perforation has no impact on the flow pattern. In large septal perforations, the air jet collides with the posterior edge of the perforation and disintegrates turbulently. Since airflow is physiologically turbulent in the posterior part of the nose, posterior perforations do not cause clinical complaints. The inspiratory whistling sound during respiration is based on the principle of a lip whistle. Large perforations do not cause a whistling sound. The necessary high flow velocity needed in large perforations is usually not achievable.