Reconstruction of the internal nasal valve: modified splay graft technique with endonasal approach.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and feasibility of modified splay graft technique in the surgical correction of internal nasal valve (INV) incompetence and nasal valve collapse.

STUDY DESIGN: Eleven patients operated with the diagnosis of INV incompetence were followed for 6 to 30 months after operation.

METHODS: Between 2004 and 2007, 11 patients with the complaint of shortness of breath, and in whom nasal valve incompetence was detected, and who were positive for Cottle and modified Cottle tests were operated. In the operation, splay graft was used endonasally with the technique we describe. Before and at least 6 months after the operation, patients were evaluated with acoustic rhinometry, linear symptom scale, and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale in addition to endoscopic examination, and the results were compared.

RESULTS: In 10 of 11 (90.9%) patients operated with modified splay graft technique, marked improvement was observed in INV region with endoscopic examination and acoustic rhinometry. In the evaluation made with linear symptom scale and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale, partial improvement was seen in nasal obstruction in one patient and marked improvement in 10 patients. No complications developed.

CONCLUSIONS: Modified splay technique is an effective graft method that can be easily applied and has minimal complications and morbidity.