Use of a fibrinogen-thrombin sponge in rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although several methods have been described to address nasal dorsum augmentation and smoothing of irregularities in rhinoplasty, establishing the ideal method has proven controversial.

OBJECTIVE: Here, we introduce a novel technique of cartilage grafting for nasal dorsum augmentation by wrapping cartilage in a fibrinogen- and thrombin-coated collagen patch called TachoSil®.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a pilot study comprising ten cases, the use of the collagen patch was examined in various indications in rhinoplasty. Patients were clinically monitored for up to 8 months and photometric and sonographic documentation was performed pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS: In nine patients, the collagen patch was used for fixation of cartilage grafts in different indications: saddle nose deformities (n = 5), open roof (n = 1), nasal dorsum irregularities (n = 3). A diced cartilage graft enclosed by a bilayer of TachoSil® was applied in seven patients. Solid pieces of cartilage were either embedded in a bilayer of the collagen patch (n = 1) or covered by a monolayer (n = 1). Moreover, the collagen patch alone served as a soft tissue support in one patient with thin skin. Six patients were revision cases. All patients had uneventful healing without adverse events such as allergic reactions and infections.

CONCLUSION: The collagen patch TachoSil® is eligible for various indications in rhinoplasty. It is a useful material predominantly for nasal dorsum augmentation by sandwiching diced or solid cartilage in the collagen patch, leading to better graft fixation and precise profile shaping. At the same time, TachoSil® helps with blood control. Follow-up studies will be performed to assess the material's long-term behavior.