Spreader Graft Placement: An Effective Procedure for Alleviation of Internal Nasal Valve Collapse

The internal nasal valve (INV) is one of the most commonly involved areas in patients with nasal obstruction, and surgeries such as turbinate reduction and septal recontouring affect the physiology of the nasal valve area. With this concept, a cohort study was conducted to evaluate spreader graft's effectiveness in recontouring INV and relieving nasal obstruction.

A prospective cohort study was performed, including patients with nasal obstruction with INV involvement. To quantify and compare the amount of nasal obstruction, Gertner Metal Plate (GMP) was used, and to assess the relief in associated symptoms, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) was taken into consideration. GMP and SNOT 22 were performed preoperatively and postoperatively at the 1^st, 3^rd, and 6^th months, and the data obtained were analyzed by SPSS 22 software using paired t-tests. The postoperative broadening of the nasal dorsum and patient satisfaction with the surgical outcome were also assessed using the visual analog scale .

A total of 38 patients were included, with 28 males and 10 females. The data obtained were analyzed by using paired t-tests. Improvement in GMP assessment showed that t = 10.392305, 13.391485, and 15.985243 at the 1^st, 3^rd, and 6^th months, respectively, with an overall P ≤ .00001 and relief in associated symptoms assessed by SNOT 22 computed t = 12.24228, 15.824486, and 18.046395 at the 1^st, 3^rd, and 6^th month, respectively, with an overall P ≤ .00001. A total of 81.57% of patients did not perceive significant nasal dorsum broadening, and 86.84% of patients were highly satisfied by the surgical outcome based on the visual analog scale.

We conclude that in patients with nasal obstruction associated with INV involvement, spreader grafting provides rapid relief of nasal obstruction and associated symptoms, does not cause any appreciable broadening, and provides a high degree of patient satisfaction. Hence, it should be preferred over septal recontouring and turbinate reduction.