[Lateral crural "J" flap repair to correct nasal valve collapse].
BACKGROUND
Nasal valve collapse is a common cause of nasal airway obstruction. Although many techniques have been devised to treat this problem, the outcomes of most of them have been disappointing. The aim of this study is to report our experience using the lateral crural J-flap repair to correct the nasal valve collapse. This technique is based on a new view of the structural etiology of nasal valve collapse and it offers excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes.


METHODS
We present a retrospective study of 19 patients diagnosed of nasal valve collapse that underwent lateral crural J-flap repair from 2003 to 2005.


RESULTS
28 lateral crural J-flap repairs were made. Six patients underwent concomitant nasal surgery. Mean follow-up was 428 days All the patients have reported improvement of the subjective sensation of inspiratory collapse and there has been no noticeable decrement in benefit over time. No complications due to the procedure were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The lateral crural J-flap repair is an efective treatment for nasal valve collapse with minimal morbidity and a high success rate.
Franco Gutiérrez
V
V
Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias. virginiafrancogutierrez@yahoo.es
Rodrigo Tapia
J P
JP
Cuesta Albalad
M P
MP
D000328:Adult; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps