Evaluation of the use of Different Spreader Techniques in Primary Open Septorinoplasty in Terms of Nasal and Olfactory Functions

Background: In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the use of spreader and determine the efficacy and superiority of different spreader techniques in septorhinoplasty in terms of nasal and olfactory functions.

Methods: A total of 60 patients who had undergone septorhinoplasty with the open technique were included in the study. In addition to open septorhinoplasty, 20 patients also underwent bilateral spreader graft placement and 20 bilateral spreader flap placement. For the remaining 20 patients, open septorhinoplasty was performed without spreader grafts or flaps. The patients completed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale consisting of five questions, and the Brief Smell Identification Test was used to detect olfactory dysfunction.

Results: The preoperative mean NOSE score of all patients was 10.87 (1-18), while the postoperative mean value was 1.83 (0-10). The preoperative mean olfactory score was 6.23 ± 2.20 in all patients while it was 7.33 ± 1.75 postoperatively. There was a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative NOSE and olfactory scores in all patients, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the three groups.

Conclusion: Spreader graft or flap techniques used in septorhinoplasty are safe in terms of nasal obstruction and olfactory function, and there is no statistically significant difference between them.