[About the functional aspect of septorhinoplasty].
BACKGROUND
Rhinosurgeons emphasize the functional aspect of septorhinoplasty (SRP). So far only a few publications with exact data exist.


METHODS
Fifty-two patients (33 male symbol; 19 female symbol, average age: 37 years) were examined before and approx. 1 year after SRP. Rhinomanometry, olfactometry, and photographic documentation were carried out. Using a questionnaire they were asked about the functional outcome and about their original personal aims concerning the SRP.


RESULTS
All patients suffered from a deviated septum. Regarding the external aspect 38 patients had a crooked nose with or without a hump, 7 patients had a hump without external deviated nose, and 7 patients had a saddle nose or other deformities. If total nasal airflow is considered rhinomanometry showed no significant improvement postoperatively (p=0.115). If only the worse nasal side is considered rhinometry showed a highly significant improvement (p=0.002). In the questionnaire 34 patients (65%) indicated an improvement, 14 patients (27%) no change, and 4 patients a deterioration of the nasal airflow. The final aesthetic outcome was assessed by 39 patients (75%) as an improvement, by 12 patients (23%) as unchanged, and by 1 patient (2%) as worse. There were no significant changes in the olfactory function. Asked about their personal aims 29 patients (56%) wished first of all an improvement of nasal airflow, 5 patients (10%) a good aesthetic result, and 18 patients (34%) both aspects.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that use of the term "functional" SRP is justified. In the majority of cases a simultaneously existing functional-plastic problem is solved. Our results support the importance of rhinomanometry as an objective parameter in the perioperative diagnostic battery of nasal obstruction.
Oeken
J
J
HNO-Klinik, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Klinikum Chemnitz, Chemnitz. jens.oeken@skc.de
Kiefer
M C
MC
D000328:Adult; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000502:physiology*; D025363:Rhinomanometry; D012225:Rhinoplasty; D013652:Taste Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome