Objective:

Septal deviation is one of the main causes of respiratory nasal insufficiency and external asymmetry. Septorhinoplasty, either open or closed, is sometimes unable to achieve good results, mostly due to a severe deviation of the anterior part of the septum. The results of extracorporeal septoplasty in the management of difficult cases of septonasal deviations are presented.

Material and methods:

An analysis was performed on 16 consecutive extracorporeal septoplasties. The technique consisted of a complete dissection of bony and cartilaginous septum, followed by complete septal resection and reconstruction «on the table» of a new anterior «L strut». This strut was then sutured to the K area, superior nasal cartilages, and anterior nasal spine. Other rhinoplasty steps were done as necessary. A review is presented of the clinical charts and pre- and post-surgical photographs.

Results:

Main indications for surgery have been a severely crooked nose (9 cases), followed by nasal sequelae of cleft lip and palate (2 cases). Three patients had a previous septorhinoplasty performed (one of them plus orthognathic surgery). Comminute cartilage fracture was the most common intra-operative finding.

All patients have reported a significant relief of their nasal obstruction, and a clear improvement of their aesthetics. The photographs showed a significant improvement in nasal symmetry and enhancement of dorsal, tip, and columellar projection when indicated.

Conclusions:

Extracorporeal septoplasty is very useful in difficult cases of septorhinoplasty and has few complications. Technical details are described.

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