Analysis of the Effectiveness of Anterior Septal Reconstruction in Asians

Background: Although anterior septal reconstruction (ASR) is effective, it is less commonly employed in Asian patients compared with the septal extension graft technique, even in cases of severe antero-caudal septal deviation. Objective: To compare airflow and patient perceptions after ASR in patients of Korean descent with caudal septal deviations and external nasal deformities, we considered the potential tendency of their septal cartilage to be smaller and less robust compared with that of Caucasians. The measurements were conducted using acoustic rhinometry and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: We analyzed 103 patients using preoperative and 3-month postoperative assessments: Korean version of the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (K-SCHNOS), obstructive (SCHNOS-O), and cosmetic (SCHNOS-C) scores, and minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) measured by acoustic rhinometry. Results: Among 103 patients (mean age 33.36 years, median age 32 years, age range 17-70 years, 77 men [75%], and 26 women [25%]), the average follow-up period for the patients was 264.6 days (median 202 days and range 13-1540 days), SCHNOS-O scores improved significantly from 64.02 ± 4.89 to 19.31 ± 4.45 after ASR (p < 0.001), as did SCHNOS-C scores, improving from 60.61 ± 7.71 to 14.25 ± 4.66 (p < 0.001). MCA increased from 0.30 ± 0.16 cm² to 0.56 ± 0.38 cm² (p < 0.001). Conclusions: As measured by MCA and SCHNOS scores at 3 months postoperatively, ASR proves valuable for correcting antero-caudal septal deviations and nasal deformities in Asians, despite the tendency of their septal cartilage to be smaller and less strong compared with that of Caucasians.