Functional evaluation of Septal L-strut extension graft in East Asians

Background The septal L-strut extension graft (SLEG) consists of anterior extended spreader graft (AESG) and caudal septal extension graft (CSEG). SLEG is a way to increase the anterocaudal projection from a low-profile nose by creating the de-novo septum. This retrospective study verifies the effectiveness of SLEG in improving the nasal function of east Asians. Materials Medical records of patients who had undergone septorhinoplasty with SLEG were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical features showed under-projected lower 2/3 of nose with septal deviation, saddle nose, and short nose. We analyze the postoperative changes in the NOSE score and variables of nasal geometry measured by acoustic rhinometry through long-term follow-up. Results Patients were divided into two groups those who underwent SLEG with turbinoplasty (Group A) and SLEG alone (Group B). NOSE scores decreased significantly in Groups A and B, and the improvement was statistically more significant in Group A (p<0.05). Acoustic rhinometry showed an increase of nasal cavity volume (VOL 1) on the deviated side in Group A, and an increase of Minimal Cross-sectional Area 1(MCA1) on the deviated side in Group B (p<0.05). The non-deviated side did not show significant reduction in MCA 1 and VOL1 after SLEG with or without turbinoplasty. Thus, SLEG, by itself, improved airway function in east Asians. Conclusions SLEG has proven to be a valuable way to improve nasal function.