Nasal Dermoids in Children: Factors Influencing the Distant Result

The aim of the study was to present a single institution's treatment strategy for nasal dermoids and to identify factors influencing distant results. The study covered 24 surgically treated pediatric patients with nasal dermoids (NDs). The medical data concerning demographics, preoperative local inflammations and surgical procedures, form of the abnormality, imaging, surgical techniques, and a role of osteotomies and reconstructions were analyzed. The recurrence rates and distant aesthetic outcomes were assessed. The surgical approach included vertical incision in 21 patients, the external rhinoplasty approach in 2 cases, and bicoronal incision in 1 child. The intracranial extension was confirmed in 6 patients. Seven out of 8 cases with preoperative local inflammations and 3 out of 4 with secondary fistulization were < 4 years old. Nine patients required osteotomies. Three children required reconstruction of the nasal skeleton. None of the distant cosmetic results was described as hideous or unsatisfactory. The incidence of local inflammatory complications is unrelated to the age of the patients. The distant aesthetic result depends on both the initial extent of the disease and preoperative local conditions or interventions. Prompt surgical intervention is highly recommended.