Abstract
Open technique septorhinoplasty (SRP) provides better surgical control and stronger
anatomical assessment; however, one of its biggest disadvantages is postoperative
columellar scar. In this study, the authos aimed to compare the absorbable polyglactin
910 (PG) (Vicryl Rapide 6/0; Ethicon Inc.) and nonabsorbable polypropylene (PP) (Prolene
6/0; Ethicon Inc.) suture materials and their effects on the postoperative columellar
scar. In this study, 89 patients (61 females and 28 males) who underwent primary open
technique SRP were included; 42 patients were included in the PP group and 47 were
included in the PG group. Sutures were removed in PP group on 7th postoperative day.
Sutures were left to be absorbed in the PG group. Columellar scar was assessed with
visual analog scale (VAS) subjectively and with the modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation
Scale (SBSES) objectively in 6th postoperative month. SBSES results in PG and PP groups
were 3.88 ± 0.80 and 3.67 ± 0.80, respectively. There was no statistical significance
between the two groups (p = 0.352). VAS results in PG and PP groups were 8.04 ± 0.91 and 7.71 ± 0.85, respectively.
There was no statistical significance between the two groups (p = 0.200). No postoperative wound infection was seen in either of the groups. PG delivers
good postoperative results in columellar scar. We recommend using PG for columellar
incision closure since it provides less discomfort and anxiety for the patient, and
less office time for the surgeon during the suture removal.
Keywords
columellar scar - septorhinoplasty - absorbable suture
