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Treatment with fascia lata sling restores nasal airflow, improves QoL in facial paralysis patients

In patients with facial paralysis experiencing external nasal valve narrowing and collapse, treatment with a fascia lata sling was highly effective in restoring nasal airflow and improving quality of life, according to study findings.

Among a total of 68 patients who underwent fascia lata sling placement for the correction of external nasal valve compromise between March 2009 and December 2013, 60 completed a Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale preoperatively and 40 completed the scale postoperatively; the 37 patients who completed both questionnaires were referred to as “responders.” Average patient age in the responder cohort was 49.9 years, with 19 men and 18 women, and average age in the nonresponder cohort was 51.2 years, with 13 men and 18 women. No significant differences were found for sex, age, etiology or surgery performed between the groups, according to the researchers.

Mean preoperative NOSE score was 37.6, which improved significantly to an average score of 16.6 after surgery.

At postoperative interview, all patients reported significant improvements in their nasal airway and less collapse of the external nasal valve at rest and during inspiration.

Three patients experienced postoperative complications, with only one requiring surgical revision, which was successful. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.