Study finds technique for nasal obstruction helps patients breathe easier

Unlike rhinoplasty, less invasive technique does not alter appearance of nose

CHICAGO – Z-plasty, a minimally invasive surgical technique to treat internal nasal valve collapse, showed significant improvement in relieving nasal obstruction with less recovery time compared to more traditional open rhinoplasty, according to a research study by Rush University Medical Center. The study findings are published in the May 21 issue of the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

The nasal valve plays a crucial role in determining the airflow characteristics of the nasal airway. Internal nasal valve collapse is one of the most common causes of nasal obstruction that can result in significant and problematic changes in airflow. It is the most common condition that leads to nasal valve surgery. The traditional surgical approach, open nasal surgery, or rhinoplasty could alter the external appearance of the nose.

Z-plasty is a minimally invasive procedure most often used by surgeons for scar revisions. It is performed entirely from inside of the nose under local anesthesia with conscious IV sedation. The technique involves the creation and transposition of two triangular flaps which widen the valve angle and create a subtle tip rotation in order to improve nasal airflow. Small, Z-like incisions are made in the cartilage located inside the nostril of the nose to allow a segment of the upper cartilage of the nose to be removed. The flaps are then sutured into position.

“The Z-plasty is conceptually a novel technique to repair nasal valve collapse when compared with existing techniques,” said Dr. Jay M. Dutton, an otolaryngologist at Rush.