Septal batten graft to correct cartilaginous deformities in endonasal septoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the usefulness of septal batten grafts to correct cartilaginous septal deformities in endonasal septoplasty.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
University medical center.


METHODS
Of 430 patients who underwent endonasal septoplasties from January 2006 to January 2011, 30 received septal batten grafts and were enrolled in the study. Twenty-eight patients were male and 2 were female.


METHODS
Thirty consecutive patients received septal batten grafts and were followed up for more than 6 months. Patterns of septal deformity, materials used for batten graft, surgical results, symptom improvement, findings of acoustic rhinometry, and surgical complications were investigated.


RESULTS
Among the 30 patients, 5 were revision cases. Most of the deformities were characterized as moderate to severe degrees of curved or angulated deviations of the cartilaginous septum. The batten graft was performed with either septal cartilage (n = 21) or bony septum (n = 9). A straight septum was achieved in 90% of all procedures. Subjective symptoms of nasal obstruction were improved in all patients, as evaluated by the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale. Acoustic rhinometry revealed that after surgery the mean minimal cross-sectional area changed from 0.33 cm² to 0.42 cm² (P = .02) and the nasal volume from 4.71 mL to 6.28 mL (P = .02). There were no major complications, eg, septal perforation or saddle nose, and no revision surgery was needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Endonasal septal batten graft is a safe, useful, and effective technique to straighten moderate to severe septal cartilage deformities that are otherwise not correctable via conventional septoplasty techniques.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Jee Hye
JH
Wee
Ji-Eun
JE
Lee
Sung-Woo
SW
Cho
Hong Ryul
HR
Jin
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055171:Nasal Cartilages / Q000637:transplantation*; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D009667:Nose Deformities, Acquired / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome