Long-term effects of the titanium butterfly implant on quality of life: a prospective cohort study

Nasal valve insufficiency is known to have a negative impact on both nasal patency and quality of life. The titanium butterfly implant is a surgical treatment proven to have a positive effect on these aspects up to 6 months postoperative. This study aimed to determine the long-term effects of the titanium butterfly implant on nasal obstruction symptoms and quality of life in adult patients with nasal valve insufficiency up to 5 years after procedure.

A prospective single cohort study was performed including 29 patients that underwent the titanium butterfly implant in one tertiary medical center. Data was obtained before and at least 5 years after surgery using three questionnaires: the Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness questionnaire, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire.

A significant decrease in total NOSE score was seen compared to baseline measurements. The SNOT-22 scores also showed a significant decrease, whereas the GBI scores showed no significant changes at the late follow-up.

Seven years after placement the titanium butterfly implant still has a statistically significant improvement on otorhinologic-related quality of life compared to preoperative measurements.