Functional rhinoplasty with batten and spreader grafts for correction of internal nasal valve incompetence.

OBJECTIVE

We a describe technique for correction of internal nasal valve incompetence (INVI) using functional rhinoplasty (FRP) with combined cartilaginous batten and spreader grafts and report the functional and cosmetic outcomes.

DESIGN

Prospective series using subjective improvement in nasal airway and quality of life.

SETTING

Subregional ENT centre, one operating rhinologist.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-three consecutive adults presenting to ENT department at North Hertfordshire NHS Trust with symptomatic INVI.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Pre and post-operative symptom scores for nasal obstruction and its impact on overall quality of life using visual analogue scales (1-100mm). Cosmetic outcome graded using subjective scores. Statistical analysis performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

We found a median subjective improvement on the visual analogue scale of 55 mm for nasal patency (p<0.001) and of 49 mm for quality of life (p<0.001). Twenty-two patients felt that the appearance of their nose had not changed or had significantly improved post operatively.

CONCLUSION

Combined use of batten and spreader grafts for the correction of INVI in normal or narrow nasal vaults is effective without compromising cosmesis.