A Scoping Review of Surgical Interventions for Nasal Valve Obstruction in Facial Paralysis

The main objective of this scoping review was to identify various surgical techniques used to treat nasal airway obstruction Caused by facial paralysis and summarize available outcome data for these techniques.

A literature search was conducted using Medline (PubMed) and Embase to find clinical studies on nasal obstruction and facial paralysis from their inception to April 2024.

Literature was reviewed for studies that investigated the surgical treatment for nasal valve obstruction in patients experiencing facial paralysis. A search was conducted using PubMed and Embase. The search yielded 82 articles that described nasal obstruction correction. Abstract analysis narrowed the selection to seven papers. The criteria entailed studies that described patients undergoing surgical intervention in treating nasal obstruction due to facial paralysis and had subjective or objective outcome measures. Any study that addressed nasal obstruction not caused by facial paralysis was excluded.

Fascia lata sling and suture suspension improved NOSE scores by 21 and 31 points, respectively. Subjective symptom relief ranged from 77% to 100%, with fascia lata sling showing consistent 100% improvement. Complication rates were lowest with fascia lata sling, at 4.3%, and highest with suture suspension, at 23.5%. Revision rates were 1.5% for fascia lata and 14.1% for suture suspension.

Surgical correction of nasal valve obstruction in facial paralysis requires unique considerations. Further studies are necessary to determine the safest and most effective options for treating this unique problem.