Post-Operative Infection in Rhinoplasty With Autologous Versus Cadaveric Costal Cartilage Grafting

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Infection Control

Background:

• Rhinoplasty often utilizes costal cartilage grafts for reconstruction.
• The choice between autologous (patient's own) and allogeneic (cadaveric) grafts involves different considerations.
• Understanding infection risks associated with graft type and antibiotic use is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare post-operative infection rates in rhinoplasty patients receiving autologous versus irradiated cadaveric costal rib grafts.
• To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in reducing infection rates in these patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 707 patients undergoing rhinoplasty with costal cartilage grafting (2002-2025).
• Comparison of infection rates between autologous and irradiated cadaveric rib graft groups.
• Analysis of post-operative antibiotic use and return to operating room for revision.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in infection rates between autologous (2.3%) and cadaveric (2.3%) rib grafting groups (p=0.99).
• One patient (0.34%) in the cadaveric group required revision surgery for infection.
• Prophylactic antibiotics did not significantly decrease post-operative infection rates in either group.

Conclusions:

• Autologous and irradiated cadaveric costal rib grafts demonstrate comparable post-operative infection rates in rhinoplasty.
• Prophylactic antibiotic use does not appear to lower the risk of infection following rhinoplasty with costal cartilage grafting.