The Effects of Sutured Scroll Reconstruction Versus Sutureless Scroll Reconstruction in Rhinoplasty on Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

[OBJECTIVES] With the growing popularity of rhinoplasty, techniques for enhancing functional and aesthetic outcomes are evolving. This study aims to compare 2 methods in rhinoplasty-sutured scroll reconstruction versus no scroll repair-focusing on their effects on nasal breathing, aesthetic results, and patient satisfaction.

[METHODS] This randomized controlled study at Taleghani Hospital in Tehran involved female patients aged 18 to 50 years undergoing primary rhinoplasties. Participants were assigned to 2 groups, and only 1 received sutured horizontal scroll ligament repair. Outcomes were assessed using the FACE-Q rhinoplasty module for patient satisfaction and rhinomanometry for nasal function, with independent surgeons evaluating aesthetic results via a Visual Analog Scale. For statistical analyses SPSS version 22.0 was used, with significance set at  < .05.

[RESULTS] The study involved 164 female patients, with 82 in the sutured scroll ligament group and 82 in the no scroll repair group. The mean age was 26.32 ± 6.86 years (range = 19-46). No significant baseline differences were found. After a mean follow-up of 11.6 months, no patients required revision surgery. Post-operative FACE-Q scores and VAS ratings were higher in the sutured group. The mean postoperative peak inspiratory nasal flow (PNIF) was 116.42 ± 13.78 ml/minute in the sutured group versus 111.08 ± 15.67 ml/minute in the other group ( = .034).

[CONCLUSION] This randomized clinical trial emphasizes on the positive effect of ensuring the scroll ligament repair using sutures on the facial aesthetics, quality of life, and functional capacity of patient after the surgery. Which is consistent with the prior studies indicating both cosmetic and functional benefits for scroll preservation/reconstruction.