Functional evaluation of Septal L-strut extension graft in East Asians

Background: The septal L-strut extension graft (SLEG) consists of anterior extended spreader graft and caudal septal extension graft. SLEG is used to increase the anterocaudal projection from a low-profile nose by creating the de-novo septum. This retrospective study verified the effectiveness of SLEG in improving the nasal function in East Asians.

Materials: Medical records of patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with SLEG were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical features showed under-projected lower two-thirds of the nose with septal deviation, saddle nose, and short nose. We analyzed the post-operative changes in the NOSE score and variables of nasal geometry measured using acoustic rhinometry through long-term follow-up.

Results: Patients were divided into two groups, those who underwent SLEG with turbinoplasty (Group A) and SLEG alone (group B). The NOSE scores decreased significantly in groups A and B, and the improvement was statistically more significant in Group A (p < 0.05). Acoustic rhinometry showed an increase in nasal cavity volume (VOL1) on the deviated side in Group A, and an increase in minimal cross-sectional area 1 (MCA1) on the deviated side in Group B (p < 0.05). The non-deviated side did not show significant reduction in MCA1 and VOL1 after SLEG with or without turbinoplasty. Thus, SLEG, by itself, improved airway function in East Asians.

Conclusions: SLEG has proven to be valuable in improving nasal function.