ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Chirurgia 2005 December;18(6):459-64

Copyright © 2005 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Our experience in nasal pyramid reconstruction with autologous cartilage graft

Memmo L., Araco F., Cervelli V., Araco A.

Aim. The aim of this study is to analyze the results obtained from additive reconstructive rhinoplasties with autologous cartilage grafts in order to establish the effectiveness of these procedures and to indicate the type of graft to be used according to the region to reconstruct.
Methods. We present 31 cases of autologous cartilage grafts, selected among a sample of 914 rhinoplasties performed at the Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Tor Vergata University of Rome. Twenty-eight patients (90.3%) were treated with open tip technique; 3 (9.7%) had a classic endonasal approach. The follow-up with the patient is at 2 and 6 weeks after the operation, then at 3-6 and 12 months afterwards, and then once a year.
Results. In the treated patients good esthetic results have been obtained in 83.7% of cases with complete satisfaction of the patient and the operator and also excellent functional results in almost all cases (93.5%). In particular, we describe 3 cases using respectively ear cartilage, septal and costal cartilage.
Conclusion. We could recommend: the auricular graft for the reconstruction of the tip, the columella and the nasal valve; the 9th-11th costal graft for the dorsum and columella; the septal cartilage for the dorsum, the tip and the deficit of naso-columellar projection.