Long-term effects of the titanium butterfly implant on quality of life: a prospective cohort study

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 Aug;281(8):4213-4219. doi: 10.1007/s00405-024-08703-z. Epub 2024 May 3.

Abstract

Purpose: Nasal valve insufficiency is known to have a negative impact on both nasal patency and quality of life. The titanium butterfly implant is a surgical treatment proven to have a positive effect on these aspects up to 6 months postoperative. This study aimed to determine the long-term effects of the titanium butterfly implant on nasal obstruction symptoms and quality of life in adult patients with nasal valve insufficiency up to 5 years after procedure.

Methods: A prospective single cohort study was performed including 29 patients that underwent the titanium butterfly implant in one tertiary medical center. Data was obtained before and at least 5 years after surgery using three questionnaires: the Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness questionnaire, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire.

Results: A significant decrease in total NOSE score was seen compared to baseline measurements. The SNOT-22 scores also showed a significant decrease, whereas the GBI scores showed no significant changes at the late follow-up.

Conclusion: Seven years after placement the titanium butterfly implant still has a statistically significant improvement on otorhinologic-related quality of life compared to preoperative measurements.

Keywords: Nasal obstruction; Prostheses and implants; Quality of life; Rhinoplasty; Titanium.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Obstruction* / surgery
  • Prospective Studies
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Titanium*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Titanium