Psychological, Functional and Aesthetic Outcome after Nasal Reconstruction

Abstract

The incidence of nasal skin malignancies is increasing worldwide rapidly. As a result of the surgical treatment of these malignancies the demand for reconstructive procedures has also increased enormously. In literature, emphasis exists on technical refinements to optimize aesthetic results following nasal reconstruction, however little has been known about the long-term aesthetic and functional outcome. There is also no standardized tool available to assess aesthetic and functional outcome after nasal reconstruction. In addition no literature is known about the psychological impact on patients who suffered from a nasal reconstruction. Therefore this thesis was conducted. A standardized questionnaire was developed measuring aesthetic and functional outcome after nasal reconstruction. Different nasal reconstructive techniques were evaluated. The differences in assessment by patients, professionals and laypersons were studied. The impact of nasal reconstruct! ion on psychological functioning was examined. Different personality characteristics where identified as determinants of satisfaction. Main findings were, high patient satisfaction in contrast to professionals and laypersons. Patients did not suffer from lower levels of self –esteem as compared to a control group. Passive coping strategy and a low level of self-esteem correlated to a lower level of satisfaction postoperatively. All conclusions led to the development of an algorithm of treatment of nasal defects.