Computational Fluid Dynamics and septal deviations: virtual surgery can predict postsurgery results. A preliminary study including 2 patients.

Septal deviation is one of the most frequent structural cause of nasal airway obstruction. Septal deviations can be studied by Computational Fluid Dynamics. Computational Fluid Dynamics aims to study airflow modalities and air conditioning and provides a fuller understanding of nasal physiology. Simulation of surgical procedures on 3D models can be performed nowadays by means of architectural modifications using 3D reconstruction tools. These procedures can be applied to septal deviations. There's a lack in literature of studies comparing virtual surgery and postsurgery results. In our study, virtual surgery provided reliable results. In the near future, Computational Fluid Dynamics and virtual surgery could provide ENT surgeons with valuable tools to master and exploit.