Optimal harvest and efficient use of septal cartilage in rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Nasal septal cartilage is used to obtain favorable aesthetic and functional outcomes in rhinoplasty, but is often difficult to harvest or the harvested amount is insufficient. Therefore, the objective of this study is to introduce how to harvest septal cartilage optimally without losing and use harvested cartilage efficiently. METHODS: From March 2015 to January 2020, we tried to harvest as much septal cartilage as possible while maintaining the L-strut in 30 patients. A spreader flap and septal rotation suture were used instead of a spreader graft. Also in patients who needed a spreader graft and septal extension graft, a spreader graft was used on one side and a one-piece spreader graft combined with a septal extension graft was performed on the other side. For tip plasty, a columella septal suture was performed first. Postoperative patient satisfaction was assessed using the Rhinoplasty Outcome Examination questionnaire. RESULTS: No serious complications were observed. The patient satisfaction score was 50% or above in 27 patients (90%) and less than 50% in only three patients (10%). The average score was 81.5 points. CONCLUSION: For septal cartilage deficiency, a spreader flap, the septal rotation suture, or onepiece spreader graft combined with a septal extension graft was used. The nasal tip was sufficiently rotated using the columellar septal suture technique first. These techniques made it possible to obtain good aesthetic outcomes using only septal cartilage, without harvesting other cartilage.

Epidermoid cyst in temple area with skull perforation.

Epidermoid cysts are benign tumors that account for approximately 1% of intracranial tumors. In very rare cases, temporally located extradural intradiploic epidermoid cysts can cause neurological symptoms and skull perforation. Herein, we report the case of a 34-year-old woman who underwent successful treatment of an epidermoid cyst in the temporal region accompanied by neurological symptoms. Accurate radiological evaluation and complete removal of the tumor and capsule play a vital role in ensuring favorable long-term outcomes. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans can provide an accurate assessment of the extent of intracranial expansion and invasion of the cerebral parenchyma, as well as enabling the precise localization and characterization of the bone defect and mass. In addition, collaborative surgery with a neurosurgeon is required for cases involving intracranial expansion and dural invasion.

Schwannoma on the nasal dorsum and tip with sensory changes.

Schwannomas, which originate from Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system, are slowgrowing and uncommon benign tumors. Most schwannomas (90%) occur in isolation, and multiple occurrences are a characteristic feature of neurofibromas. Schwannomas of the nose and nasal tip are particularly unusual. Although a few cases of schwannomas of the sinusoidal tract and nasal septum have been reported, schwannomas arising from the nasal dorsum area and tip are extremely rare. Sensory abnormalities are also a very rare symptom. We excised a schwannoma on the nasal dorsum through direct incision and a schwannoma on the nasal tip through open rhinoplasty. No postoperative complications involving recurrence, hematoma, or infection occurred. The possibility of neurological changes should be considered in cases of an abnormality in the peripheral nervous system. Schwannoma must be kept in mind as a possible cause of neurological changes localized to a specific dermatome, and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mass on the nose.