Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Using A Piezosurgery Device vs. A Conventional Osteotome for Lateral Osteotomy in Rhinoplasty

Abstract

Our aim for this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes in patients who underwent lateral osteotomy with a Piezosurgery device or a conventional osteotome in open-technique rhinoplasty. This cohort trial involved 65 patients (36 women and 29 men; average age: 23.6 +/- 5.71 yr) who,underwent surgery between May 2015 and January 2016. Piezosurgery was used for lateral osteotomy in 32 patients, whereas 33 patients underwent conventional external osteotomy. These 2 groups were compared for duration of surgery, perioperative bleeding, postoperative edema, ecchymosis, pain, and patient satisfaction on the first and seventh postoperative days. The Piezosurgery group revealed significantly more favorable outcomes in terms of edema, ecchymosis, and hemorrhage on the first day postoperatively (p < 0.001 for all). Similarly, edema (p = 0.005) and ecchymosis (p < 0.001) on the seventh postoperative day also were better in the Piezosurgery group. Hemorrhage was similar in both groups on the seventh postoperative day (p = 0.67). The Piezosurgery group not only experienced less pain on the first postoperative day (p < 0.001), but these patients also were more satisfied with their results on both the first and seventh postoperative days. Results of the present study imply that Piezosurgery may be a promising, safe, and effective method for lateral osteotomy, a critical step in rhinoplasty. The time interval necessary for the learning curve is counteracted by the comfort and satisfaction of both patients and surgeons.