Long-term Results of Combined Rhinoplasty and Septal Perforation Repair.

IMPORTANCE: Combined rhinoplasty and septal perforation repair is a technically challenging procedure, and few studies have reported the outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To present the long-term surgical results of rhinoplasty with concurrent septal perforation repair.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective study included 17 patients who underwent rhinoplasty with concurrent septal perforation repair at a tertiary academic medical center from March 2005, through March 2015. Patients had a mean postoperative follow-up duration of 50.9 months. The etiology of the deformity, presenting symptoms, perforation size, intraoperative surgical techniques, and complications were analyzed. Final follow-up was completed on March 31, 2015.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Postoperative subjective (telephone survey of patient satisfaction) and objective (Objective Rhinoplasty Outcome Score) patient satisfaction and endoscopic nasal cavity examination at the last follow-up.

RESULTS: Among the 17 patients (14 men; 3 women; mean [SD] age, 40 [16] years), 12 (71%) had previously undergone septoplasty and/or septorhinoplasty, 4 (24%) had nasal trauma, and 1 (6%) had an unknown cause. The main aesthetic reasons for rhinoplasty were a saddle nose deformity (10 patients [59%]) and deviated nose related to a previous surgery or trauma (5 patients [29%]). The functional reasons for surgery included nasal obstruction (14 patients [82%]) crusting (2 patients [12%]), epistaxis (1 patient [6%]), and whistling (1 patient [6%]). The perforation size varied from 2 to 30 mm, with a mean of 14.3 mm. Surgery was performed through the open rhinoplasty approach. Perforations were first closed with an advancement flap in 6 patients, rotation flap in 6 patients, a combination of both in 4 patients, and a combination of advancement flap and free mucosal graft in 1 patient, with or without interposition grafts. Rhinoplasty was performed with various grafts, maneuvers, and septal reconstruction. Complete closure with symptom relief was achieved in 15 patients (88%). The mean objective score evaluating the rhinoplasty results was 3.4 (on a scale of 0-4, where 3.4 is good to excellent). No serious complications occurred after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Concurrent rhinoplasty and nasal septal perforation repair is a safe and effective option when necessary. The open rhinoplasty approach facilitated septal perforation closure, whereas septal perforation repair did not affect the surgical result of rhinoplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.