Efficiency of external nasal dilators in pediatric nasal septal deviation

Inroduction

Nasal septal deviation results from irregular development of the nasomaxillary complex and trauma. Treatment of nasal septal deviation in pediatric patients is one of the biggest challenges in rhinology. Surgery may alter craniofacial growth patterns, and so it may be indicated only in the selected cases. The use of external nasal dilators is a relatively new treatment modality in nasal obstruction.

Objective

This study was performed to assess the efficacy of external nasal dilator in pediatric nasal septal deviation patients.

Methods

Seventy-six children who were diagnosed with nasal septal deviation at our outpatient clinic were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the external nasal dilator group was composed of 48 children that had used an external nasal dilator for at least 1 month and still been using, while the control group was comprised of 28 children that had not received any treatment and had not used an external nasal dilator. The parents of the children were asked to complete the obstructive sleep apnea 18 questionnaire. In addition, the external nasal dilator group was asked to complete the questionnaire after stopping external nasal dilator use for 2 weeks and the control group also repeated the obstructive sleep apnea 18 questionnaire.

Results

The obstructive sleep apnea 18 questionnaire results were significantly different between the external nasal dilator group and the control group at the beginning of the study (i.e., when patients in the external nasal dilator group were still using their dilators, P = 0.000). On the other hand, there was no difference between the 2 groups after the patients in the external nasal dilator group had stopped using their external nasal dilator (P = 0.670).

Conclusion

External nasal dilator use relieved nasal septal deviation, which narrows the nasal valve. The results of this study suggest that external nasal dilator could be used in patients that are not candidates for septoplasty.     

Minicomposite graft for nasal alar revision

Auricular composite grafts are being used increasingly for repair of nasal deformities. Most commonly these grafts have been employed to repair alar rim and columellar defects secondary to trauma or tumor resection. A technique for reconstruction of the lateral crural area with auricular minicomposite grafts was used in a series of cases. Results have been satisfactory to alleviate the functional and cosmetic difficulties in patients requiring alar revision.     

Effect of alar nasal valve stent on nasal breathing

PurposeLateral nasal wall insufficiency has previously been a surgical challenge. In 2018, the Alar Nasal Valve Stent (Medtronic) was taken into use at Helsinki University Hospital. The alar cartilages are repositioned and locked into position with the Alar Nasal Valve Stent on the mucosa. The stent gives support and widens the alar valve while cartilages scar into their new position presumably facilitating breathing after removal of the stent. The aim of this prospective, observational study was to investigate whether the Alar Nasal Valve Stent has an effect on nasal breathing in patients with lateral nasal wall insufficiency.Materials and methodsSymptom questionnaires (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, five-step symptom score) were analyzed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flow were analyzed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The patients performed a stress ergometry preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively, with their noses being photographed and filmed.ResultsIn a series of 18 patients, a significant positive difference was seen in subjective symptom scores preoperatively versus postoperatively. The difference remained stable throughout the follow-up. No difference in objective symptom measurements was observed.ConclusionsPatients suffering from lateral nasal wall insufficiency experience a significant subjective improvement in nasal breathing after Alar Nasal Valve Stent surgery.     

鼻翼缺损修补的体会

目的回顾性分析鼻翼缺损的修复方法和疗效。方法1985—2011年收治因各种原因所造成的鼻翼缺损患者12例,利用鼻唇沟带蒂皮瓣和鼻中隔带蒂黏膜软骨瓣进行修补手术,术后观察患者的临床疗效。结果全部病例术后随访1—3年,除1例因鼻中隔黏膜软骨瓣坏死,术后鼻翼出现凹陷外,其余11例患者修复后的鼻翼外形良好,效果满意。结论该方法操作简便,损伤小,利用鼻唇沟带蒂皮瓣修复鼻翼缺损,其颜色、质地、厚度均与鼻翼相似,另取鼻中隔黏膜软骨瓣作为鼻翼的衬里可使鼻翼的厚度与对侧一致,有鼻中隔软骨作支架,可保证修复的鼻翼远期不出现凹陷变形。     

Effect of nasal dilators on nasal structures, sniffing strategies, and olfactory ability

This paper describes the effects that nasal dilators have on olfactory ability. Experimental results demonstrate that nasal dilators increase odorant identification, lower odorant threshold, and increase perceptual odorant intensity. In other experiments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data demonstrates that the size of the nasal cavity especially around the region of the nasal valve is increased when nasal dilators are worn. Additionally, pneumotachograph data demonstrates that during a sniff, the peak flow, maximum flow rate, volume, and duration are all increased when nasal dilators are worn. Taken together, the increase in olfactory ability can most easily be explained by an increase in both the amount and the proportion of inspired odorant molecules that are directed to the olfactory mucosa and are, therefore, available for odorant perception.     

Treatment of external nasal valve (alar rim) collapse with an alar strut

Alar (external valve) collapse may be iatrogenic or can occur as a consequence of ageing or trauma. We have utilized an autogenous cartilage graft inserted as an underlay graft to the alar rim to treat 17 patients who have presented with nasal obstruction due to alar collapse. We report the short- and medium-term functional results and the cosmetic sequelae of our approach and conclude that this procedure offers an improvement in nasal airway performance in patients with external valve collapse without producing serious adverse cosmetic sequelae.     

Opening the nasal valve with external dilators reduces congestive symptoms in normal subjects

BACKGROUND: We examined whether the use of two different external nasal dilator devices influenced the size of the nasal valve area and symptoms of nasal congestion. METHODS: This was a randomized blind-allocation, open three-way crossover study of Breathe Right, Side Strip Nasal Dilators, and placebo. We studied 12 healthy subjects (10 female, 2 male; age range 26-56 years). Measures of total volume and total minimum cross-sectional area were collected. Subjective symptoms were collected using a visual analog scale and an ordinal scale. RESULTS: With both products, there was significant increase in the size of the minimum cross-sectional area compared to placebo, p = 0.004. This is supported by the decrease in the subjective reports of congestion; on the visual analog scale, compared to placebo p = 0.012 and the ordinal scale, compared to placebo, p = 0.004. CONCLUSION: Both devices significantly increase the size of the nasal valve area and reduce congestion in normal subjects.     

Modified alar batten grafts for treatment in nasal valve dysfunction: Our experience

ObjectiveAlar batten grafts are used to treat in nasal valve dysfunction (NVD). They can be placed by open or closed rhinoplasty using rib, septal, or auricular concha cartilage. Our surgical team used a modified placement of the classic alar batten.We aim to describe these changes and to the technique and demonstrate that modified alar batten grafts can improve the effects of spreader grafts and classic alar batten grafts.MethodsA retrospective study of 91 functional rhinoplasties was performed from March 2011 to November 2019 at a public university hospital in Murcia. The patients were divided into three groups. Group A included patients operated on using spreader grafts, group B included patients operated on using spreader grafts associated with alar batten grafts fixed to the caudal edge of the lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilage (LLC), and group C included patients operated on using modified alar batten grafts.ResultsA total of 91 functional rhinoplasties were performed, 31 patients were operated on in group A, 27 patients were operated on in group B, and 33 patients were operated on in group C. The success rate was 67.7% in group A, 70.4% in group B and 93.9% in group C.ConclusionModified alar batten grafts achieved better results than spreader grafts and spreader grafts associated with classic alar batten grafts. The size, position and placement of the sutures of modified alar batten grafts were the key factors in improving our results.     

Use of free auricular composite graft in nasal alar/vestibular reconstruction.

Reconstruction of the nasal alar/vestibular complex following trauma or surgery presents a challenging problem. Options include bone, cartilage, and composite grafts as well as prosthetic materials. We present a case in which resection of an intranasal leiomyosarcoma, leaving a dome defect, was successfully reconstructed with an auricular composite graft.     

Effect of nasal dilators on pleasantness, intensity and sampling behaviors of foods in the oral cavity

The present study assessed the effect of nasal dilators on ratings of food intensity and pleasantness. Participants wearing the dilators rated foods in the oral cavity as less pleasant and more intense than did those participants wearing a placebo strip. In addition, they consumed less of the test stimuli. Significant interactions were noted between food stimuli and placebo vs. nasal dilator strip conditions, indicating certain food qualities, particularly initial pleasantness, combine to produce enhanced changes in perception. Changes in the intensity and pleasantness of foods was most pronounced in foods characterized as initially pleasant. A review of studies to date indicate that both foods and odors are perceived as more intense and less pleasant during nasal dilation, suggesting an impact of the dilators on both retronasal and orthonasal air flow.     

Nasal alar necrosis

OBJECTIVE: To describe an unrecognized clinical entity, nasal alar necrosis, and propose recommendations regarding the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of these cases. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of four patients with this condition. METHODS: Histories, treatments, and outcomes were evaluated using office and hospital chart data. RESULTS: We noted that three patients had prior trauma or surgery, other than to the nose, in the head and neck region. All four patients had comorbidities such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, depression, or tobacco abuse. Three patients had sensory deficits over the distribution of the maxillary nerve, and three volunteered that they had a habit of picking the crusted wound. Two patients improved over several months with aggressive wound care. One patient refused treatment and another underwent successful reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: After malignant and granulomatous diseases were ruled out, our evaluations suggested that the pathogenesis was multifactorial including several factors alone or in combination, such as, hypoesthesia, self-mutilation, and an inadequate blood supply. Deficits in vascularity and sensory innervation must be considered as potential obstacles in reconstruction. Psychological problems causing factitious wounding may complicate therapeutic interventions.     

Avoiding alar necrosis with post-nasal packs

Foley's catheter is used for post-nasal packing in severe epistaxis. Various methods have been described for securing the catheter in position, all of which can be associated with patient discomfort, risk of alar necrosis or unsightliness. We describe a new method to secure the Foley's catheter without these problems. The ribbon gauze used for anterior nasal packing is tied over the catheter in multiple knots to secure it in place. This has been successfully tried on over 50 patients.     

Alar base flap and suspending suture: a strategy to restore symmetry to the nasal alar contour in primary cleft-lip rhinoplasty

OBJECTIVE: Patients presenting with cleft-lip deformity usually present with a characteristic nasal deformity. We describe the mechanism and contribution of different surgical techniques to restore alar symmetry in primary cleft-lip rhinoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluate surgical results using a retrospective, randomized, blinded surgical grading system. We describe a surgical technique designed to restore nasal symmetry in patients undergoing primary cleft-lip rhinoplasty. Patients were selected retrospectively. METHODS: A series of patients were identified with nasal asymmetry associated with cleft-lip deformity. All patients underwent cleft-lip repair with concurrent primary cleft-lip rhinoplasty. Patients who underwent alar base flap suspending suture (ABF-SS) were grouped and selected consecutively after a modification in the senior author's surgical technique. A control group was matched for age, sex, and cleft characteristics. Primary rhinoplasty was carried out concurrently for both study groups while undergoing unilateral cleft-lip repair. The control group did not undergo the described ABF-SS technique. All patients were operated on by the same surgeon over a period of 5 years. Surgical outcomes were evaluated by a panel including lay people as well as trained health care workers experienced in the critical evaluation of esthetic results after cleft-lip rhinoplasty. RESULTS: Forty-six records were reviewed of patients undergoing complete unilateral cleft-lip repair. After applying strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, nine patients underwent the described ABF-SS technique. All patients in the preoperative group had a clinically and statistically comparable degree of deformity (P > .05). There was a clinical and statistically significant improvement in nostril size, shape, symmetry, alar base symmetry, and nasal tip/dome symmetry for patients undergoing repair with the described technique compared with the control group. No clinical or statistically significant difference was observed in the scarring scores between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with cleft-lip deformity usually present with a characteristic nasal deformity. Execution of the described surgical techniques restores nasal alar symmetry in patients undergoing concurrent primary cleft-lip rhinoplasty.