Aesthetic and Functional Consequences of Spreader Graft without Suturing To the Upper Lateral Nasal Cartilage: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

Background: Considering the importance of the spreader graft technique in order to prevent collapse and airway retention and the importance of its effect on the dorsal aesthetic line and nasal width, in this study we compared the outcome of suturing spreader graft to septum _upper lateral cartilageas the classic technique to suturing spreader graft only to septum.

Methods: This comparative observational study was conducted on 50 consecutive patients referred to Rhinoplasty Department in 15 khordad Hospital from 2019 - 2020 . The study participants were randomly assigned into two groups which scheduling the new spreader graft technique without suturing the upper lateral cartilage (n = 25) or the frequent spreader graft technique with suturing to both septum and upper lateral nasal cartilage (n = 25). The nasal obstruction degree, the status and health-related quality of life, patients' satisfaction, and subjective mental image of the nasal structure were the study endpoint. The patients were followed-up for six months.

Results: The two groups were matched for gender and age. Although all study endpoints significantly improved in both groups, but the six-month trend of the change in each parameter was different in the two groups with superior improvement in those who planned for spreader graft technique without suturing the upper lateral cartilage.

Conclusion: In patients scheduling for selective rhinoplasty, new procedural technique including spreader graft without suturing to upper lateral cartilage can lead to more postoperative favorable outcome with regard to patients' satisfaction of the procedure, lack of obstructive symptoms, aesthetic feature, and health-related quality of life as compared to suturing to both septum and upper lateral cartilage.