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Custom made alar stents for nostril stenosis: a 24-month evaluation
H M Ziada1, D Gavin, P F Allen
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, University Dental School and Hospital, University College Cork, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. h.ziada@ucc.ie
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|August 2, 2005
Summary
Alar stent therapy effectively treats nostril stenosis by expanding nasal tissues. Custom-made dilators, especially the rigid type, significantly improved patient breathing, comfort, and appearance.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Plastic Surgery
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Nostril stenosis, an uncommon deformity, presents variable etiologies and can cause significant aesthetic and functional impairments.
- Nasal asymmetry and altered shape negatively impact patients with nostril stenosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of alar stent dilators in treating congenital and acquired nostril stenosis.
- To assess patient outcomes regarding breathing, comfort, appearance, and satisfaction with custom-made nasal dilators.
Main Methods:
- Utilized alar stent dilators custom-constructed to the measured diameter of affected nostrils.
- Employed a phased approach with customized chairside soft nasal dilators (CCSND) followed by customized laboratory rigid nasal dilators (CLRND) for congenital cases.
- Assessed treatment outcomes using questionnaires and visual analogue scales over a 24-month follow-up period.
Main Results:
- Achieved an average nostril diameter expansion of 7mm, maintaining desired dimensions stably.
- Required 3 to 8 stents per patient to achieve target nostril expansion.
- Demonstrated improvement in nostril breathing, comfort, appearance, and overall patient satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Alar stent therapy offers a conservative yet effective method for expanding and maintaining nostril diameter in both congenital and acquired stenosis.
- Custom-made nasal dilators, particularly the CLRND, represent a satisfactory treatment modality for nostril stenosis, enhancing patient quality of life.
