Treatment success after rhinosurgery: an evaluation of subjective and objective parametersTreatment success after rhinosurgery: an evaluation of subjective and objective parameters

Background Septal deviation and nose deformities are widely prevalent. Patients may complain about difficulties in nasal breathing leading to a perception of diminished disease-specific quality of life.

Objective In a prospective randomized trial, we aimed to analyze the outcome of septoplasty (SPL) and septorhinoplasty (SRP) on patient satisfaction.

Methods Patients with functional indication for SPL (n=19) or SRP (n=54) were included and randomized for additional turbinoplasty. Preoperative clinical symptoms were collected with SNOT-20 GAV (Sinu-nasal outcome test-20, German adapted version) and NOSE^© (nasal obstruction symptom evaluation) questionnaires. The final evaluation of treatment success was performed 9 months after surgery with SNOT-20 GAV, NOSE^© and a self-established feedback questionnaire. Nasal breathing and obstruction were objectively measured with rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry (minimal cross-sectional area 2 [MCA2]).

Results MCA2 was statistically improved compared to the pre-treatment value in SPL (p=0.0004) and SRP (p=0.0001). SNOT-20 GAV and NOSE^© scores were significantly reduced after both surgical procedures (NOSE^©: SPL: p < 0.0001, SRP: p < 0.0001; SNOT-20 GAV: SPL: p=0.0068, SRP: p < 0.0001). Evaluation of patient satisfaction in a self-established feedback questionnaire revealed a motivation of 81% of patients to redo the surgery (SPL: 13/16, SRP: 34/42) and a notably general satisfaction of 86% for SPL and 80% for SRP.

Conclusions Rhinosurgery leads to quantitative better nasal breathing and increased disease-specific satisfaction. However, this study implies the importance of the right selection of patients and the correct indication of the surgical technique.

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Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021