EVALUATION OF NASAL OBSTRUCTION IN RHINOPLASTY

Many techniques have been advocated for the treatment of nasal obstruc tion, a common complaint in the rhinoplasty patient. Resection of the septum, straightening of the septum, resection of all or part of the i nferior turbinate, cauterization of the turbinates, and various forms of nonsurgical management have been documented in the literature to su ch an extent as to he sometimes confusing and contradictory. The surge on is left with the dilemma of too many choices and too little informa tion on how to make the best decision for the individual patient. The objective of this paper is to present a relatively simple algorithm th at will allow the plastic surgeon to accurately diagnose and treat the causes of nasal obstruction in a thoughtful and efficient manner. Thi s method has proved successful in the evaluation and treatment of seve ral hundred patients with complaints of nasal airway obstruction. Of e qual or greater importance, however, this algorithm may allow the surg eon to recognize and avoid performing surgery on patients who will not be satisfied, even with a technically good result.