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An objective analysis of the impact of lateral rhinotomy and medial maxillectomy on nasal airway function
Author(s) -
Lueg Edgar A.,
Irish Jonathon C.,
Roth Yehuda,
Brown Dale H.,
Witterick Ian J.,
Chapnik Jerry S.,
Gullane Patrick J.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-199809000-00011
Subject(s) - medicine , airway , orthodontics , surgery
Objective : The lateral rhinotomy and medial maxillectomy procedure, while known to interrupt nasal valve supports, has not previously been reported to adversely affect nasal airway function. The purpose of this study was to utilize state‐of‐the‐art techniques to objectively analyze the impact of this procedure on nasal airway function. Design : The study design was retrospective and subject controlled. Methods : The study population was derived from an academic, tertiary‐referral, otolaryngology—head and neck surgery department with an estimated catchment population of 4 million people. Subjects included 21 consecutive, long‐term postoperative patients who had undergone lateral rhinotomy and medial maxillectomy for inverted papilloma. Objective measures included vestibular cephalometric measurements, airflow rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry. Results : Statistically significant results reveal that although lateral rhinotomy and medial maxillectomy are associated with alar collapse, both overall nasal airflow and valve areas are increased. Conclusion : Lateral rhinotomy and medial maxillectomy does not adversely affect nasal airway function. This appears to be the result of concomitant resection of the functionally dominant inferior turbinate. This suggests that lateral rhinotomy performed in conjunction with operations not requiring inferior turbinectomy, such as anterior craniofacial resection, may adversely affect nasal airway function. Key Words : Lateral rhinotomy, medial maxillectomy, nasal airway function, airflow, rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry.