Nasal defect reconstruction using cartilage allografts: postoperative complications and cosmetic outcomes

Abstract

This article presents study of immediate and long-term outcomes following 73 nasal reconstruction using cartilage allografts. Postoperative complications developed in 9 cases (12,3%). Two cases (2,7%) were associated with cartilage allograft. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated minimally in 6 months after reconstruction. Patients and experts evaluated 6 particular parameters and total nasal appearance using 5-point scale. Patient scores were higher than expert scores for nasal alar (р=0,001), nostril size (р=0,005), nasal skin color (р=0,028), nasal position (р=0,028). Declined scores were more common registered for parameters nasal alar, nasal dorsum, nostril size, nasal skin color. Experts defined total nasal appearance as acceptable (4 or 5 points) in 62 cases (84,9%). Twelve patients underwent ultrasonography and magnetic resonance tomography of facial tissues in minimally 2 years after reconstruction. Cartilage allografts within reestablished nasal subunits were identified using both methods. No significant deformities and dystrophic changes were discovered. This study showed that allogeneic cadaver cartilage can be used effectively for nasal reconstruction.