Simplifying Costal Cartilage Harvesting in Rhinoplasty With the Gigli Saw Technique

Costal cartilage is often chosen for grafting due to its durability and availability, especially in cases where septal cartilage is insufficient. However, harvesting this cartilage presents challenges, including complications like donor-site pain, infection, and pneumothorax. This study aims to evaluate the advantages of using the Gigli saw for harvesting costal cartilage in rhinoplasty, focusing on minimizing the risk of pneumothorax and reducing surgical time while maintaining graft integrity. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, with a focus on the 6th, 7th, and 8th costal cartilages. After making a small incision and elevating the perichondrium, the Gigli saw is utilized to cut the cartilage precisely. This method allows for controlled and clean graft harvesting while protecting surrounding tissues. The use of the Gigli saw resulted in successful graft harvests with minimal complications. The technique demonstrated reduced risk of pneumothorax and less tissue damage compared with traditional methods, leading to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. The Gigli saw offers significant advantages for costal cartilage harvesting in rhinoplasty, including decreased risk of complications, minimal donor-site morbidity, and enhanced precision. While requiring skilled application, this technique presents a valuable option for surgeons dealing with complex graft needs.