Long-term follow-up of repair of external nasal deformities in rhinoscleroma patients.

INTRODUCTION: Rhinoscleroma (RS) is a chronic, progressive, granulomatous infectious disease endemic in Egypt and the Middle East, affecting the nose in 95-100% of cases, and resulting in functional and esthetic sequelae. The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility of performing reconstructive procedures to improve external deformities in RS patients, with long-term follow up.

PATIENTS & METHODS: This prospective, controlled cohort study included 25 patients who were seeking rhinoplasty to improve their esthetic appearance, with evident clinical and histopathological history of RS. Another 25 patients seeking esthetic augmentation rhinoplasty in the same period formed the control group. All the participants were evaluated objectively by two independent rhinoplasty surgeons, and subjectively with ROE 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS: All the participants showed significant improvement in esthetic facial evaluation postoperatively, with a correlative rise in ROE score. There was an insignificant difference between the studied groups. Inconsequential complications were encountered throughout the follow-up period, but with insignificant incidence in both groups.

CONCLUSION: Rhinoplasty for correction of RS external deformities is both safe and beneficial, with no risks of flaring up or increased complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2b.