Nasal Duplication: A Review of Literature and Case Report

Nasal duplication is a rare congenital deformity with many subtypes including supernumerary nostril. The challenge of surgical correction is to achieve nasal symmetry and restore nasal airflow. However, there is no defined protocol for treatment, especially with regard to presurgical therapy.

We performed a review of literature of studies reporting on patients with supernumerary nostril to complete this review. We then report on a patient with supernumerary nostril who was treated with nostril expansion therapy prior to surgical intervention.

We identified 59 cases of nostril duplication. Because of the rarity of the condition, treatment protocols varied greatly. For our patient, preoperative nasal appliance therapy was implemented for 3 months prior to surgical intervention. Patient was followed-up regularly for 1 year.

Although literature on nasal duplication is scarce, there is a general agreement that early intervention has psychological, anatomic, and functional benefits to the patient. In our case report, nostril expansion therapy was easy to implement and facilitated surgical reconstruction, resulting in aesthetic outcome and expanded airway 1 year postoperatively.