Abstract:Objective To explore the changes in nasal cavity volume-related physical parameters before and after the inferior meatus augmentation procedure (IMAP) in patients suffering from secondary inferior turbinate loss with special nasal symptoms (SITL) using a computed tomography (CT)-based three-dimensional (3D) modeling approach.Methods A retrospective collection of empty nose syndrome 6-item questionnaire (ENS6Q) scores and CT images was obtained from 20 SITL patients. Nasal cavity volume and nasal mucosal surface area were estimated using 3D modeling, and the estimated lower nasal cavity volume ratio was calculated and its correlation with ENS6Q score was analyzed. Furthermore, CT images of 11 SITL patients undergoing IMAP were analyzed before and after surgery. Nasal cavity volume and mucosal surface area were compared before and after IMAP, and the estimated lower nasal cavity volume and volume ratio were calculated by subtracting the intraoperative filler volume from the preoperative estimated nasal cavity volume. Recommendations for intraoperative filler volume were recommended based on these calculations.Results After IMAP surgery, the total ENS6Q scores of SITL patients were significantly decreased, and all less than 11 points (P=0.003), but remained significantly higher than those of the healthy control group. In terms of volume, IMAP significantly reduced the estimated lower nasal cavity volume ratio in SITL patients (P=0.021), and the postoperative volume ratio was significantly indifferent from the healthy control group. Regarding mucosal surface area, the estimated lower nasal cavity mucosal surface area significantly decreased after IMAP (P=0.021). However, the difference of mucosal surface area between the postoperative SITL patients and the healthy control group remained significant, similar to the preoperative one. There was a certain correlation between the estimated and actual postoperative lower nasal cavity volume ratios. Conclusions There is a significant correlation between nasal cavity volume and ENS6Q scores in SITL patients. The effect of IMAP on the nasal cavity is not only in reducing volume but also in restoring nasal mucosal function. Using the volume ratio of the lower nasal cavity volume in the inferior turbinate area to estimate the postoperative nasal cavity may further improve IMAP surgery.