Septal Cartilage Traction Suture Technique for Correction of Caudal Septal Deviation

Objective Correction of the caudal septum deviation is the most difficult part of the septoplasty and a common cause of revision septoplasty. The purpose of this study was to present authors' preliminary results in the treatment of patients with caudal septal deviation using the septal cartilage traction suture technique. Study Design Prospective, single center, observational study. Materials and Methods Sixty-seven patients with a caudal septal deviation underwent septal cartilage traction suture technique with endonasal septoplasty. After removal of excessive caudal cartilage, the caudal L-strut was sutured at two or more points using 5-0 Vicryl on the modified Killian incision site. Subjective outcomes using visual analog scales (VAS) and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, objective endoscopic examination, and acoustic rhinometry data were assessed. Results There was significant symptomatic improvement in the VAS and NOSE scale at 1, 3, and 6 months postsurgery. Complete correction in the endoscopy was observed in the 91.0% of patients at 3 months postsurgery. The results of acoustic rhinometry increased from 0.3 and 4.3 preoperatively to 0.7 and 7.7 at 3 months postoperatively. Furthermore, no patient experienced septal hematoma, septal perforation, and loss of nasal tip support at 6 months follow-up. Conclusions The septal cartilage traction suture technique obtained significant improvement in subjective and objective outcomes in patients with caudal septal deviation. This technique is a simple, safe, and effective method to treat caudal septal deviation. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 2020