Publication:

Quality of life after septoplasty in patients with nasal obstruction – a prospective observational study

Background Nasal septum deviation is most common cause of nasal obstruction. Septoplasty is most commonly done surgery for deviated nasal septum. At present the effectiveness of septoplasty in patients with nasal obstruction due to a deviated nasal septum remains uncertain. The outcome of the procedure is essential for the surgeon and patient to make an appropriate decision on the plan of management. Hence this study is undertaken to evaluate patients at different postoperative follow up intervals using nasal obstruction septoplasty effectiveness scale (NOSE) to know the efficacy of septoplasty.

Methods Fifty patients with nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum were included in our study. All the patients answered NOSE questionnaire preoperatively and at 1, 3 and 6 months after septoplasty.

Results The mean preoperative NOSE Score of 71.4±15.1 reduced to 2.5±3.5 at 6 months after septoplasty indicating improvement in the symptoms. Nasal congestion and nasal obstruction were completely eliminated from majority of the patients. Furthermore, breathing troubles and sleeping troubles had completely disappeared in 98% patients by 6 months in the postoperative period. Exercise problems had completely disappeared postoperatively in all patients.

Conclusions The preoperative NOSE scores reduced significantly in the postoperative period. Septoplasty is a relieving surgery for patients with symptomatic deviated nasal septum, who are suffering from nasal congestion, nasal blockage, trouble breathing, trouble sleeping and exercise problems. Hence septoplasty results in improvement in the disease-specific quality of life of patients.