Auricular composite grafting to repair nasal vestibular stenosis

Nasal vestibular stenosis is defined as a narrowing of the nasal inlet resulting in airway obstruction. Causes include nasal trauma, infection, and iatrogenic insults. The objectives of this article are to illustrate nasal vestibular stenosis and to analyze common causes and surgical treatments. The operative technique of the senior author (M.S.K.), will be presented. Donor site morbidity and patient outcomes will be discussed. Sixteen patients were seen during a 5-year period. Eleven women and 5 men were evaluated and found to have nasal vestibular stenosis. Three patients had stenosis as a result of nasal fracture or laceration. Stenosis developed in the remaining 13 as a result of nasal surgery. All patients underwent auricular composite grafting, and grafts took in 100%. Partial skin slough occurred in up to 50%; however, re-epithelialization was seen within 3 weeks. Complications were seen at the donor site. Immediate patient satisfaction was seen and continues during long-term follow-up.