title: Anterior septal reconstruction: outcomes after a modified extracorporeal septoplasty technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a modified extracorporeal septoplasty technique and measure its efficacy with a validated quality-of-life instrument.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective observational outcomes study of patients with severe septal deviation who subsequently underwent anterior septal reconstruction. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation was performed using photographs and the Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve consecutive patients were enrolled. No complications occurred. All patients noted improved airway function postoperatively. There was a significant improvement in mean Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation score postoperatively (76.6 vs 12.9; P<.01). Examination of postoperative photographs revealed improved midvault and tip anatomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The anterior septal reconstruction technique is effective in improving both nasal airway function and aesthetics in patients with severe septonasal deviation. The technique avoids the most common complication of standard extracorporeal septoplasty by preserving the dorsal strut of septal cartilage and its attachment to the nasal bones at the keystone area.
authors.affiliation: Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98105, USA. sammer@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Sam P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Most
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D009667:Nose Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome