Efficiency of modified Goldman’s technique in open pediatric septoplasty

Background Performing nasal surgery on children has been the subject of controversy among surgeons. Specifically, the indications for and timing of septoplasty in children have been debated for the last several decades. In this study, we access the efficacy of the modified Goldman’s technique in dealing with caudal septal deviation in pediatric population suffering from severe nasal obstruction and its effect on nasal functions postoperatively. In this study, 30 pediatric patients suffering from deviated nasal septum who are candidate for septoplasty were included and underwent open septoplasty using modified Goldman’s technique. They were subjected to detailed assessment protocol preoperatively including NOSE scale, anterior rhinomanometry, and CT scans. Follow-up assessment was done at second week postoperative including anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy and 3 months postoperative including NOSE scale and anterior rhinomanometry. Results There was a statistically significant decrease of the NOSE scale severity to none in 90% of cases. Three months postoperative, all of the patients performed postoperative anterior active rhinomanometry with statistically significant decrease in the postoperative total nasal resistance values with inspiratory values ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 Pa/cm 3 /s with mean of 0.26 Pa/cm 3 /s and expiratory nasal resistance values ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 Pa/cm 3 /s with mean of 0.31 Pa/cm 3 /s. Conclusions Open septoplasty in children using the modified Goldman’s technique has enabled accurate and conservative approach for correction of nasal septal deviation especially those located in the caudal septal region. The technique also offers a significant reduction of the nasal symptoms postoperatively with marked improvement of the nasal resistance and quality of life in severe cases of deviated nasal septum.