Functional evaluation of the restored mucosa after nasal reconstruction with a forehead-galea flap

Background: Recovery of the internal mucosal lining is the most problematic step in nasal reconstruction. Restoration of both aesthetic and functional components should be the goal to be pursued. For this purpose, we performed a study for functional evaluation of the restored mucosa after nasal reconstruction. Methods: From April 2009 to May 2016, 10 patients in whom the galea was used to reconstruct the nasal lining were selected from our casuistic of nasal reconstruction. In order to visualize the nasal and nasopharyngeal cavity, an antero-posterior rhinoendoscopy was performed in all patients. Additionally, patients were asked to complete a visual analogue scale (VAS) evaluation regarding nasal obstruction. Active anterior rhinomanometry analysis, olfactometry analysis and a cytologic examination were also conducted. Results: Near-normal results in nasal obstruction evaluation were reported subjectively by patients. Near-normal inspiratory values were obtained using rhinomanometry. Average values of TDI (threshold, discrimination and identification), a comprehensive olfactometric parameter, were essentially normal. Cytological sampling examination did not reveal any substantial abnormal variation. Conclusions: Based on our morphological and functional results, we can assert that the forehead flap in association with galea for lining is a safe and practical surgical technique in total nasal reconstruction