Effects of Spreader Grafts on Olfactory Function in Septorhinoplasty

Following rhinoplasty, the cross-sectional parts of the nose may be significantly reduced, and nasal air movement and olfaction may be altered. Studies on olfactory function after surgical procedures are quite limited and have largely focused on sinus surgery or septoplasty.

The objective of this study is to assess the consequences of spreader grafts on olfactory function.

This prospective study was conducted at the Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim Education and Research Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, from January 2014 to June 2015. In total, 68 patients who had undergone an open-technique septorhinoplasty were included. In 35 patients, bilateral spreader grafts were included with the open septorhinoplasty (group 1), and 33 patients underwent open septorhinoplasties without spreader grafts (group 2).

The age and gender distributions of the patients in the two groups did not differ (p > 0.05). Preoperative threshold, discrimination, and identification values in both groups did not differ (p > 0.05). In groups 1 and 2, postoperative threshold values were significantly higher than preoperative values (p < 0.05). The change in threshold, discrimination, and identification level was significantly higher postoperatively versus preoperatively in group 1 (p < 0.05); however, the changes in discrimination and identification values did not significantly differ between in group 2 (p > 0.05).

Our study demonstrates the superior widening effect of spreader grafts over the nasal valve and favorable results in olfactory function in primary septorhinoplasty patients.

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