Abstract
Objective: 1) Analyze an initial cohort of UK patients undergoing surgery for nasal valve dysfunction with a novel titanium nasal implant, the Breathe-Implant à Wengen. 2) Assess surgical outcomes, operative complications, subjective symptom improvement, and patient satisfaction with this new procedure in order to improve current practice and inform future patients.
Method: Retrospective case note evaluation collated demographic details, indications, examination findings, imaging reports, operative details, length of follow-up, surgical outcomes, and complications. Patients were contacted by telephone to complete a postoperative symptom evaluation questionnaire consisting of 4 procedure specific questions and a modified Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) consisting of 11 questions.
Results: Twenty-three patients underwent the procedure since 2009. Seventeen patients had nasal obstruction as the primary indication for surgery. Mean follow-up 3.6 months (range, 1-9 months). One patient had persistent postoperative nasal obstruction requiring further surgery. A total of 18 patients completed the questionnaire. Patient evaluation of postoperative nasal obstruction was found to be mean score of 1.5 (scale of 0 = no obstruction and 10 = complete nasal obstruction). Cosmetic appearance following insertion of the implant was reported as worse in 8 patients. A total of 72% reported that they would undergo the procedure again, and 83% felt that the operation made their overall life better.
Conclusion: This unit is the first in the UK to use this device for nasal valve dysfunction. Our preliminary outcome data has found low complication rates and high patient satisfaction with improved symptoms and quality of life. However, cosmetic outcomes are an important issue to discuss with all potential Breathe-Implant patients.
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