Evaluation of nasal tip shape in patients with severe caudal septal deviation after modified extracorporeal endonasal septoplasty.

Objectives: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of modified extracorporeal endonasal septoplasty on nasal tip shape and function in patients with severe caudal septal deviation.

Methods: The study population comprised of 55 patients undergoing modified extracorporeal endonasal septoplasty, which called marionette septoplasty. To analyse the aesthetic objective outcomes, postoperative photographs were measured for projection index (PI), tip projection (TP), nasolabial angle (NLA), tip deviation angle (TDA), nasofrontal angle (NFA), supratip height (STH), columellar height (CH), at three times (2 weeks, 3, and 6 months after surgery) and were compared with preoperative photographs. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were also evaluated using nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale and standardized cosmesis and health nasal outcomes survey (SCHNOS).

Results: Between the pre- and post-operative 6th-month examinations, a significant increase in PI and TP were 7%, and 5% respectively. There was a significant alteration in the NLA and TDA values following the last examination (mean difference ± standard error of mean 9.68 ± 0.9° and 1.5 ± 0.8°, respectively). Moreover, the technique did not make a significant change in the final NFA, STH, and CH, measurements. Following surgery, the NOSE and SCHNOS scores were decreased significantly and the improvement continued over time until the last examination.

Conclusion: The present study findings suggest that the marionette septoplasty technique is an effective to correct and stabilize severe caudal septal deviations. This technique also can provide tip support and protection with a low incidence of dorsal irregularity.