A randomized clinical trial on efficacy of respiration after rhinoplasty: Comparison between spreader grafts and cartilage flaps

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, in rhinoplasty procedures, different types of cartilage grafts and flaps are being used routinely and proper use of these methods can improve the outcome of this procedure efficiently. In the present study, we are going to compare the efficacy of spreader grafts and cartilage flaps in preventing complications of rhinoplasty such as respiratory distress. Materials and Methods: In a randomized, single-blind clinical trial, 30 patients who referred to our hospital (Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad) for elective rhinoplasty in 2015 were evaluated and followed for 3 months after the surgery. 15 patients underwent rhinoplasty in which spreader grafts were used, and for the others, upper lateral cartilage flaps were used as autospreader flaps. The results of rhinomechanism achieved from rhinomanometer were measured before and 3 months after the surgery. The right and left nasal airflow and airways resistance index were evaluated based on Pascal per milliliter per second. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software and P < 0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients in spreader graft and autospreader flap groups was 23.13 ± 5.11 and 26.73 ± 6.05 years, respectively, and was not significantly different. In both groups, the ratio of female-to-male was 11/4. Mean of nasal airflow and airways resistance both in inspiration and expiration did not differ significantly after surgery between the groups. Left nasal airflow in inspiration (P = 0.025) and right nasal airway resistance in expiration (P = 0.04) decreased significantly after the surgery in comparison to before it in spreader graft group, while changes in rhinomanometry indices in autospreader flap were not significant. Conclusion: Both techniques can be used to keep the inner valve diameter in the normal range and for treatment of internal valve stenosis. Moreover, both techniques are useful in protecting and creating the dorsal esthetic lines.

Keywords

• Cartilage flaps
• respiratory
• rhinoplasty
• spreader grafts