Endoscopic-assisted correction of the deviated nose

The approach to nasal bone classic corrective rhinoplasty is an almost-blind technique, where the results depends on feeling by the surgeon's hand. To overcome these drawbacks, endoscopic-assisted corrective rhinoplasty and septoplasty were performed for 16 cases of deviated noses between January 1995 and May 1997. The average follow-up period was 18 months. All patients were evaluated by symmetrical nasal pyramid, recurrence of the bony deflection, and septal deviation. The postoperative courses were satisfactory in most cases, with few complications. Compared with 28 cases of classic rhinoplasty, the patient satisfaction rate was high (87.5% in endoscopic-assisted rhinoplasty, 71.4% in classic rhinoplasty), and the complication and revision rate was low (0% in endoscopic assisted rhinoplasty, 14.3 and 7.1% in classic rhinoplasty). But extra time (about 40 min) and greater expense were required for endoscopic-assisted rhinoplasty. It appeared to us that endoscopic control during corrective rhinoplasty and septoplasty is a big step toward obtaining better results in bony and cartilage resection with extreme precision under monitor control and magnification. This technique is not an open approach but permits one to see more of the nasal skeleton and bony septum, the cause of the deformity, and the immediate effect of the corrective measures used. The use of an endoscope in corrective rhinoplasty for deviated noses provides an expanded field of vision, direct manipulation of lesions, and better aesthetic and functional results.