Computed Tomography Assessment of Nasal Septal Mucosa: Establishing Criteria for Thickness Classification

To establish a standardized method for classifying nasal septal mucoperichondrial flap (NSMF) thickness using computed tomography (CT) scans and correlate preoperative measurements with intraoperative findings to improve surgical planning and outcomes.

A retrospective cohort study.

A private hospital.

A total of 196 adult patients (mean age 31.99 years) who underwent septoplasty between April 2021 and February 2024.

The primary outcomes included the optimal CT thickness cutoff to differentiate NSMF as "thin" or "thick" and its sensitivity and specificity. Secondary outcomes included demographic predictors of intraoperative complications.

Our study determined that a 3.65 mm cutoff in CT scans could differentiate between "thin" and "thick" NSMF with 80.9% sensitivity and 78.5% specificity. The average age of participants was 31.99 years. No gender-based differences were observed in the subjective reporting of nasal thickness during surgery. Logistic regression identified age as a significant predictor for the occurrence of tears during surgery.

The research validates the use of a 3.65 mm CT scan cutoff for preoperative NSMF thickness classification, correlating with surgical findings and demonstrating high accuracy. These findings suggest the potential for CT measurements to become a routine part of preoperative nasal surgery planning, improving outcomes and reducing the risk of complications. Further investigation into direct measurement techniques for septal thickness is recommended to enhance surgical precision.