The effect of closed septorhinoplasty on nasal functions and on external and internal nasal valves: A prospective study

Background: Because nasal function and shape are so closely intertwined, quantitative assessments can better define their relationship and how they are affected by septorhinoplasty. Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to perform an analysis of the nasal airflow resistances and a three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of the soft-tissue changes after closed septorhinoplasty. Methods: Before surgery (T0) and 6 months after closed septorhinoplasty (T1), 30 patients underwent symptoms evaluation by means of the Italian version of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale, endoscopic fiberoptic nasal examination, and visual analog scale for subjective assessment of nasal obstruction. Nasal airflow resistances were investigated with active anterior active rhinomanometry. A 3D laser scanner was used to evaluate facial soft-tissues, with specific nasal points and angles. Results: Subjective nasal obstruction decreased. Anterior active rhinomanometry demonstrated a reduction in total inspiratory and expiratory resistances between T0 and T1 but without statistical significance. The significance was still absent after decongestion, excluding turbinate hypertrophy as a cause of failed objective amelioration of nasal resistance. Facial laser scanning showed statistically significant reduction of the superior nasal width and superior alar angle, and a weak negative correlation between the superior alar angle and nasal resistances. Conclusion: The absence of objective reduction of nasal airflow resistances could be the result of concurrent surgery on nasal septum and nasal valve. In particular, the ameliorating effect on nasal airflow resistances is counterbalanced by the worsening effect of the narrowing of nasal valve.