Effect of Conventional Versus Microsaw Osteotomy Techniques on Postoperative Patient Comfort in Septorhinoplasty

Background: Septorhinoplasty often causes early periorbital edema, ecchymosis, and pain that may impair patient comfort. This study compared conventional and powered microsaw osteotomy techniques in terms of early postoperative morbidity and patient satisfaction.

Methods: In this prospective randomized single-center study, 60 patients undergoing open septorhinoplasty were allocated to conventional osteotomy (n = 30) or microsaw osteotomy (n = 30). Apart from the osteotomy instrument, all operative steps and postoperative care were standardized. Edema and ecchymosis were graded on postoperative days 3 and 7 by 2 blinded surgeons. Pain was recorded using a visual analog scale on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, and patient satisfaction was rated on day 7.

Results: The groups were similar in age and sex (P > .05). No significant between-group differences were found in edema or ecchymosis on postoperative days 3 or 7 (all P > .05), although both parameters improved significantly within each group over time. Pain scores decreased significantly from postoperative day 1 to day 7 in both groups, with no significant between-group differences at any time point (day 1, P = .547; day 3, P = .212; day 7, P = .497). Day-7 satisfaction scores were also similar (5.06 ± 1.74 vs 5.33 ± 1.62; P = .542).

Conclusion: Powered microsaw osteotomy did not improve early postoperative patient comfort compared with conventional osteotomy. Meticulous surgical technique may be more important than instrument choice in limiting early morbidity after septorhinoplasty.

Cite this article as: Rüzgar S, Düzenli U, Topan YE, Tabaru A. Effect of conventional versus microsaw osteotomy techniques on postoperative patient comfort in septorhinoplasty. Balkan ORL-HNS. 2026, 3, 0144, doi: 10.5152/bohns.2026.25144.