TUSILS-SRA: A Modified Way of Costal Cartilage Harvest for Rhinoplasty

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Innovation
• Rhinoplasty Techniques

Background:

• Autogenous rib cartilage is crucial for rhinoplasty, with open surgery being standard but causing long recovery and visible scars.
• Previous trans-umbilical single-incision laparoscopic surgery (TUSILS) minimized incision visibility.
• Trans-umbilical single-incision laparoscopic surgery through the sheath of rectus abdominis (TUSILS-SRA) was developed to avoid abdominal cavity intrusion during cartilage harvest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the novel TUSILS-SRA technique for costal cartilage harvesting.
• To compare TUSILS-SRA with traditional open rib harvest methods in rhinoplasty.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 40 patients undergoing costal cartilage harvest between 2020-2023.
• Comparison between 20 patients in the TUSILS-SRA group and 20 in the open harvest control group.
• Assessment of pain scores (VAS), patient satisfaction, operative time, and complications.

Main Results:

• TUSILS-SRA group showed significantly lower VAS pain scores at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days post-surgery (P < 0.05).
• Operative time was slightly longer in the TUSILS-SRA group (33.5 ± 4.9 min) versus the open group (27.0 ± 4.7 min) (P < 0.05).
• Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the TUSILS-SRA group (P < 0.05), with rare complications over 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• TUSILS-SRA is a safe and effective alternative for costal cartilage harvest in rhinoplasty.
• The technique offers improved patient outcomes, including reduced pain and higher satisfaction.
• TUSILS-SRA represents a promising advancement in minimally invasive rhinoplasty procedures.