European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background:Septoplasty (surgical correction of the deviated septum) is the most frequently
performed ear, nose, and throat operation in adults, but its effectiveness has long been
questioned. Nasal obstruction is the most common complaint in majority of these patients.
There are two potential ways to assess the outcome of surgery after septoplasty: objective and
subjective measures. Subjective assessment is done in our study with Nasalobstruction
symptom evaluation (NOSE) scoring. In the present study the effectiveness of septoplasty in
treating nasal obstruction and its effect on quality oflife was evaluated.
Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized study was done on 120 patients with
symptomatic deviated nasal septum. Follow up was done for a period of 6 months after
surgery. NOSE scoring was used to analyze the severity of symptoms both preoperatively and
postoperatively and diagnostic nasal endoscopy done to compare the results and to look for
residual deviations.
Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed in mean NOSE score duringthe
follow up visits. The mean value increment was 48.33 and 49.8 after 3 months and 6 months
respectively following surgery (p <0.0001). Each individual symptom score improvement
was also compared which showed a significant improvement in allthe four symptom scores
out of five. Diagnostic nasal endoscopic evaluation also showed promising results with less
residual deformity on follow up.
Conclusion: Septoplasty is an effective surgical procedure for deviated nasal septum which
produces significant symptomatic relief for the patient. Nasal obstruction symptom
evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire effectively assessed the improvement in quality of life
among the symptomatic patients.