Rhinoseptoplasty: Three-year experience at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Abstract

Introduction: Rhinoseptoplasty is a complex and challenging surgery. It addresses nasal aesthetics and functionality. Aim: To describe the experience in rhinoseptoplasty performed by the Nose Com- mittee at our medical center. Materials and methods: Descriptive study, of the all rhinoseptoplasties performed by the Nose Committee between 2013 and 2015. Results: 265 patients underwent surgery in the 3-year period; 164 (61.8%) were women and the mean age was 29 years (range 13-73). Most were primary surgeries (secondary: 2.6%). An external approach was most commonly used (92.5%). Nasal tip surgery was performed in 253 (95.5%) patients; osteocartilaginous dorsum reduc- tion in 252 (95,1%), and augmentation in only 5 (1,9%). Osteotomies were frequent: paramedian in 229 (86.4%), bilateral percutaneous lateral osteotomies in 217 (81.9%) and unilateral percutaneous lateral in 17 (6.4%). Regarding nasal tip grafts, columellar strut was most often used, in 241 (90,9%) patients, followed by the shield graft in 69 (26,0%). For the dorsum, autospreaders were used in 124 (46.7%), and spreader grafts in 109 (41.1%). Conclusions: Open rhinoseptoplasty was the most commonly used approach. This has shown favorable for residents due to better exposition of nasal anatomy. Only 2.6% were secondary rhinoseptoplasties. We emphasize the use of the columellar strut for nasal tip support as we frequently encounter hispanic noses at our center.