Sublabial Autologous Ear Cartilage Grafting for Increasing the Nasolabial Angle

A Novel Ear Cartilage Caudal Septal Extension Graft

In cases of weak or deficient caudal septum, the caudal septum extension graft (CSEG) is the most commonly used reconstructive method. In the current study we introduce a newly-designed conchal cartilage CSEG and evaluate its cosmetic and functional outcomes. The graft has an average length of 3 ± 0.3 cm and composed of a distal double-layered part, which is 3 to 4 mm wide and a proximal single-layered part, which is 1.2 to 1.7 cm wide. The graft design allows the proximal single-layered part to be fixed on either sides of the caudal septum while keeping the distal double-layered segment in the midline. The study included 230 patients, of which 83% were revisions, all patients completed a validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) questionnaire pre- and postoperatively. The PROMs used were either the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) survey or the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS). During the mean follow-up period of 18.2 months (range: 9-192 months) no serious complications were encountered and only six cases (2.3%) required minor revisions of the CSEG.Using the proposed conchal cartilage, CSEG resulted in an improved cosmetic and functional outcome as evidenced by the significant postoperative improvement in the NOSE, SCHNOS-O, and SCHNOS-C scores with a p-value <0.001, <0.05, and <0.0001, respectively. The graft provided adequate tensile strength and support to the nasal tip, which resulted in improved tip projection, rotation, definition, and symmetry, while maintaining a degree of flexibility and elasticity which is much more than that of the rib or even the septum thus resulting in the most natural feel of the nasal tip lobule.

The Use of Auricular Cartilage Grafts in Septorhinoplasty: A Dual-Centre Study of Donor Site Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

Objectives

The use of autologous grafts is a key aspect of contemporary septorhinoplasty. When septal cartilage is deficient, auricular cartilage serves as a biocompatible, readily accessible alternative. Our study aimed to assess donor site patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) where auricular cartilage has been harvested for use in septorhinoplasty, adding to the limited existing literature on this topic.

Design

A dual-centre, single-surgeon retrospective analysis of patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery with augmentation using auricular cartilage grafts was conducted. Grafts were harvested using an anterior anti-helical approach. Patients were followed up at one week, three months and 12 months post-operatively. Donor site outcomes were assessed across several physical and psychological domains by adapting the EAR-Q questionnaire, which was administered via telephone consultation. Responses were quantified using a Likert scale.

Results

A total of 22 patients met our inclusion criteria. Four were lost to follow-up, five were non-responders and one case was excluded due to documentation of body dysmorphic disorder. A significant proportion of patients reported no reduction in quality of life (QOL) or confidence attributed to donor site cosmesis. High satisfaction was noted with anti-helical donor site scars. Although noticeable differences in shape and symmetry were reported, these had negligible effects across psychological domains.

Conclusions

Preliminary results suggest high levels of patient satisfaction, with minimal physical and psychological donor site sequelae following auricular cartilage harvest in septorhinoplasty. Subsequent studies should involve the use of validated questionnaires, coupled with larger patient cohorts in order to provide further data for statistical analysis.

Sublabial Approach to Tip Rhinoplasty: A Cadaver Model

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study was to investigate the utility of the sublabial approach in gaining proper exposure for tip rhinoplasty maneuvers in a cadaver model. Additional objectives included identifying types of grafts that can be placed sublabially and whether these methods can be translated successfully to human subjects.

METHODS

Ten (N = 10) fresh-preserved cadavers were dissected at our academic institution from August 18, 2019 through February 5, 2020. Photographs of the cadavers were taken with permission from the anatomy laboratory manager using an iPhone 10 (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA). Standard rhinoplasty views were taken of all ten cadavers.

RESULTS

Grafts were harvested and designed from septal (80%), auricular (50%) and rib cartilage (40%). The division of depressor septi muscle was accomplished in all ten (100%) cadavers to address tip ptosis. Placement of the columellar strut and shield grafts resulted primarily in the improvement of nasal projection as well as rotation in all (100%) cadavers. Premaxillary augmentation was not always indicated but helped to improve an acute, retrodisplaced nasolabial angle in three (30%) cadavers. Lateral osteotomies via this approach addressed the nasal bony pyramid in all ten (100%) cadavers. The swinging door technique enabled correction of the caudal septum in six (60%) cadavers.

CONCLUSIONS

Several rhinoplasty techniques can be successfully performed on cadavers via the sublabial approach and we hope this work can be translated to human subjects.

Reporting Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Open Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Comparative studies have shown little statistical difference in outcomes following rhinoplasty, demonstrating near equivalent results across all surgical techniques. Cross-study comparisons of these trials are difficult because variation in outcome reporting prevents statistical pooling and analysis.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to identify all outcomes and outcome measures used to evaluate postoperative results in rhinoplasty.

METHODS

An extensive computerized database search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed; all trials involving n ≥ 20 patients, aged 18 years and older undergoing a primary, open rhinoplasty procedure, were included for review.

RESULTS

Of the 3235 citations initially screened, 72 studies met the stated inclusion criteria. A total of 53 unique outcomes and 55 postoperative outcome measures were identified. Outcomes were divided into 6 unique domains: objective signs, subjective symptom severity, physical function related to activities of daily living, patient satisfaction, surgeon satisfaction, and quality of life. The identified outcome measures consisted of 5 nasal-specific, author-reported instruments; 5 nasal specific, patient-reported instruments; 5 patient-reported, generic instruments; and 40 author-generated instruments. Of the outcome measures identified, the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22, and FACE-Q were the only instruments to demonstrate adequate validity, reliability, and responsiveness to change in patients who underwent a rhinoplasty procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

There is heterogeneity in the outcomes and outcome measures employed to assess postsurgical outcomes following rhinoplasty. A standardized core outcome set is urgently needed to make it possible for future investigators to compare results of various techniques in rhinoplasty surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2