Does septoplasty improve the quality of life in children?

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of septoplasty and the effects of septoplasty on the quality of life and to determine postoperative patient satisfaction in children using nose obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) and visual analog scale (VAS).

Methods

Only pediatric patients who underwent septoplasty were included in the study. Patients who underwent adenoidectomy, endoscopic sinus surgery, or turbinate surgery in addition to septoplasty and total septal reconstruction with open technique septorhinoplasty were excluded from the study. Patients and their parents were inquired about their nasal obstruction symptoms using the NOSE scale before and 3 and 12 months following the surgery. VAS was used to analyze overall satisfaction of the patients and their parents on the outcomes of surgery, at the last follow-up examination 12 months after the surgery.

Results

Thirty-five patients with a mean age of 13.4 ± 2.8 (8–16) were included in the study. There was a very significant improvement in NOSE score at 3 months after septoplasty. The mean subjective satisfaction score measured with VAS at the 12th month postoperatively was 7.9 ± 2.1. Improvement in NOSE score was correlated with patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

Septoplasty is a very effective and satisfactory treatment for nasal obstruction caused by nasal septal deviation in children. The NOSE scale can be used for the evaluation of nasal obstruction symptoms.     

A randomised trial comparing the subjective outcomes following septoplasty with or without inferior turbinoplasty

AimsThe surgical management of contralateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy in patients with deviated nasal septum is controversial. In this randomised clinical trial, we aimed to investigate the subjective improvement of nasal symptoms postoperatively in patients undergoing septoplasty with or without inferior turbinoplasty.Material and methodsOne hundred and thirty-seven patients with nasal obstruction, who had unilateral septal deviation and compensatory contralateral inferior turbinate enlargement, were randomised into either septoplasty alone arm (n = 66) or septoplasty combined with turbinoplasty arm (n = 71). Preoperative symptom scores and the subjective perception of the nasal obstruction were compared between two groups of the study using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (NOSE) and Visual analog scale (VAS) respectively. The measurements were repeated 6 months after surgery as well as at 1, 2, and 4 years postoperatively.ResultsWith regard to the findings obtained from both scales, both interventions successfully relieved the patients’ complaints of nasal obstruction at almost all postoperative visits when compared with the baseline measurements (P ˂ 0.005 for most comparisons). However, the relief of nasal obstruction was more pronounced in patients undergoing combined intervention at all postoperative visits, except at the 1st follow-up session (P ˂ 0.005). Nasal symptoms of septoplasty alone group began to deteriorate over the period between month 24 and month 48. In contrast, patients undergoing the combined surgery steadily showed symptomatic improvement over the whole period of study.ConclusionsA turbinate reduction surgery should be conducted along with septoplasty to achieve better results in cases suffering from deviated nasal septum with concomitant hypertrophied inferior turbinate.     

Quality of life assessment septoplasty in patients with nasal obstruction

Naasal obstruction is a common complaint in the population. When caused by a deviated nasal septum, septoplasty is the procedure of choice for treating these patients. NOSE is a tool for assessing the disease-specific quality of life related to nasal obstruction.AimTo assess the impact of septoplasty on patients with nasal obstruction secondary to deviated nasal septum based on the disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire. Design: Prospective.MethodsPatients undergoing septoplasty with/ without turbinectomy after no clinical improvement with medical treatment were assessed by the NOSE questionnaire before and 3 months after surgery. We evaluated the surgical improvement based on total score, the magnitude of the surgery in the disease-specific quality of life and the correlation between the preoperative score and postoperatively improvement.ResultsFourty-six patients were included in the study. There was a statistically significant improvement in the preoperative NOSE score (md = 75, IQR = 26) and after three months (md = 10, IQR = 20) (p < 0.001.T-Wilcoxon). The standardized response mean was 3.07. We found a strong correlation between the preoperative score in the NOSE questionnaire and improvements in the postoperative period (r = -0.789, p < 0.001, Spearman). No difference was found in improvement scores by gender. (p = 0.668, U-Mann-Whitney).ConclusionSeptoplasty resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the disease-specific QOL questionnaire.     

Assessment of nasal septoplasty using NOSE and RhinoQoL questionnaires

The objective was to assess outcomes of nasal septoplasty without turbinectomy using validated subjective instruments and to correlate results with patient satisfaction. The prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary referral center. The method included the use of NOSE and RhinoQoL questionnaires to assess patients before and 6?months after Cottle septoplasty without turbinectomy. Patient satisfaction was measured on a visual analog scale. Data were compared by the non-parametric Wilcoxon test. Minimal Clinically Important Differences (MCIDs) were calculated. Correlations between post-operative scores and patient satisfaction were assessed using the Spearman test. Univariate analysis was performed to assess predictors of improvement. One hundred patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 43.4?years and 28% had allergic rhinitis. There was a highly significant improvement in each score at 6?months (p?<?0.00001). The MCID for the NOSE was comprised between 5 and 7.5, whereas the mean change was 35.2 points. They ranged from 3.8 to 6.1 for RhinoQoL scores, whereas mean changes were comprised between 12.6 and 20.9. Allergic rhinitis was a predictive factor of less improvement (NOSE p?=?0.04–RhinoQoL p?=?0.0001). Mean patient satisfaction was 8.2?±?1.8. Post-operative NOSE and RhinoQoL frequency scores were moderately correlated (r?=?0.380; r?=?0.356, respectively) whereas bothersomeness and impact scores were highly correlated with patient satisfaction (r?=?0.459; r?=?0.443, p?<?0.00001, respectively). This study shows that the NOSE and RhinoQoL questionnaires can be used in English- and French-speaking populations to perform pre- and post-therapeutic assessment. These validated instruments show that septoplasty without turbinectomy allows management of nasal obstruction and its burden.     

Reliability and validity of the Italian nose obstruction symptom evaluation (I-NOSE) scale

The NOSE scale is a questionnaire assessing QOL related with nasal obstruction. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt the NOSE scale into Italian (I-NOSE). Prospective instrument validation study. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation were accomplished. Cronbach α was used to test internal consistency in 116 patients complaining nasal obstruction and 232 asymptomatic subjects. Pearson and ICC tests were used for test–retest reliability analysis. Normative data were gathered from the 232 asymptomatic subjects. Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the I-NOSE scores in patients and asymptomatic subjects and in 40 patients before and after septoplasty. I-NOSE scores obtained in 60 patients were correlated with rhinomanometric results and with the score of a visual analog scale (VAS) measuring the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction. Good internal consistency and good test–retest reliability were found. I-NOSE mean score of the normal cohort was 12.1 ± 13.2. Asymptomatic subjects scored lower than patients with nasal obstruction (p = 0.001). Positive correlations between I-NOSE scores and VAS and rhinomanometric results were found. The mean I-NOSE score improved from 64.4 ± 23.6 to 22.1 ± 13.5 after septoplasty (p < 0.001). The I-NOSE scale is a reliable, valid, self-administered, symptom-specific questionnaire; its application is recommended.     

Postoperative pain with or without nasal splints after septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction

PurposeTo determine the effect of intranasal Doyle splints on postoperative pain following septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction (ITR). Changes in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores were also evaluated.Materials and methodsA prospective cohort study conducted from January 2017 to January 2019. Patients were recruited if they experienced nasal obstruction due to septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy, and failed a one-month trial of intranasal corticosteroids. All patients underwent septoplasty with ITR, and either had Doyle splints or no splints placed. Patients were prescribed hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5–325 mg and asked to keep a daily log of pain medication use and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Pain logs and NOSE scores were compared between patients who had splints versus patients who had no splints placed after septoplasty and ITR over the first postoperative week. NOSE scores were also collected at every postoperative visit (1 week, 1 month, and 6 months).ResultsFifty-seven patients were enrolled (37 splints, 20 no-splints). The median postoperative pain VAS score was 3.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0–5.0) for the splint group and 4.0 (IQR 2.0–5.0) for the no-splint group (P = 0.906). The median postoperative pain medication requirement in morphine equivalents at the first postoperative visit was 5.4 mg/day (IQR 2.0–13.3) for the splint group and 8.4 mg/day (IQR 1.8–15.3) for the no-splint group (P = 0.833).ConclusionsThere were no statistically significant differences in postoperative pain VAS scores or pain medication use between the two groups. All patients experienced significant reductions in NOSE scores postoperatively.     

The systolic pulmonary artery pressure and the E/e’ ratio decrease after septoplasty in patients with grade 2 and 3 pure nasal septal deviation

IntroductionNasal septal deviation may contribute to a wide range of symptoms including nasal obstruction, headache, increased secretion, crusting, mucosal damage, and loss of taste and smell. Excessive increase in the respiratory resistance, as seen in nasal septal deviation, results in reduced lung ventilation, thereby potentially leading to hypoxia, hypercapnia, pulmonary vasoconstriction. The deformities in the nasal cavity can be associated with major respiratory and circulatory system diseases.ObjectiveTo investigate cardiovascular effects of septoplasty by comparing pre- and postoperative transthoracic echocardiography findings in nasal septal deviation patients undergoing septoplasty.MethodsThe prospective study included 35 patients with moderate and severe nasal septal deviation (mean age, 23.91 ± 7.01) who underwent septoplasty. The Turkish version of the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation, NOSE questionnaire, was administered to each participant both pre- and postoperatively in order to assess their views on the severity of nasal septal deviation, the effect of nasal obstruction, and the effectiveness of surgical outcomes. A comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography examination was performed both preoperatively and at three months postoperatively for each patient and the findings were compared among patients.ResultsMean preoperative NOSE score was 17.34 ± 1.62 and the mean postoperative score was 2.62 ± 1.68 (p = 0.00). Mean preoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressure value was 22.34 ± 4.31 mmHg and postoperative value was 18.90 ± 3.77 mmHg (p = 0.00). Mean E/e’ ratio was 5.33 ± 1.00 preoperatively and was 5.01 ± 0.90 postoperatively (p = 0.01). The NOSE scores, systolic pulmonary artery pressure values, and the E/e’ ratios decreased significantly after septoplasty (p < 0.05 for all), whereas no significant difference was found in other transthoracic echocardiography parameters (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe decrease in NOSE scores following septoplasty indicated that the satisfaction levels of the patients were increased. Upper airway obstruction secondary to nasal septal deviation may be a cardiovascular risk factor and may affect transthoracic echocardiography measurements. Moreover, the significant decrease in the systolic pulmonary artery pressure value and E/e’s ratio following septoplasty indicated that negative echocardiographic findings may be prevented by this surgery.     

Assessment of symptom improvement following nasal septoplasty with or without turbinectomy

Most studies show that objective measures to quantify and determine surgical success in the treatment of nasal obstruction do not correlate with subjective improvement as reported by patients.AimTo evaluate the subjective improvement of nasal symptoms in patients undergoing septoplasty with or without turbinectomy.Materials and methodsA prospective study. We evaluated 72 septoplasty patients with or without partial inferior turbinectomy; the patients answered a questionnaire preoperatively and on the 60th day after surgery.ResultsSeptoplasty was done associated with bilateral partial inferior turbinectomy in 83.3% of patients; it was unilateral in 9.7%; there was no need for turbinate reduction in 6.9%. An improvement of all symptoms was observed after surgery. Nasal obstruction had improved in 68 patients (94.4%) by the 60th postoperative day. The average nasal obstruction score in patients with and without allergic symptoms was similar before surgery and on the 60th postoperative day. Older patients had milder preoperative allergic symptoms.ConclusionsNasal symptoms in patients undergoing septoplasty, with or without turbinectomy, improved. Patients with and without allergic symptoms showed a similar improvement of nasal obstruction on the 60th postoperative day.     

Early clinical outcomes of ınferior turbinate radiofrequency and lateralization combined with septoplasty

IntroductionMechanical obstruction is the most common form of nasal obstruction. Among the types of mechanical obstructions, septum deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy are the most prevalent.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the early clinical outcomes of inferior turbinate radiofrequency and inferior turbinate lateralization combined with septoplasty in the treatment of nasal obstruction symptoms.MethodsThe research retrospectively evaluated data from 33 patients (24 male, nine female) undergoing septoplasty and inferior turbinate radiofrequency (RF group) and 32 patients (24 male, eight female) treated with septoplasty and inferior turbinate lateralization (LAT group), who were admitted, with complaints of nasal obstruction, to the University of Health Sciences, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, between January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018. The patients’ preoperative and 6-month postoperative symptoms were evaluated via the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, the NOSE scale.ResultsThe mean preoperative NOSE scores were 10.3 ± 4.2 in the RF group and 10.9 ± 4.9 in the LAT group, and the mean six-month postoperative scores were 1.09 ± 1.3 in the RF group and 1.2 ± 1.3 in the LAT group. There was no significant difference in NOSE scores between the two groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe data obtained in this study show that both methods result in similar outcomes in terms of relieving nasal obstruction symptoms in patients requiring inferior turbinate intervention. Therefore, the researchers believe that, in each case, the intervention method should be selected at the discretion of the patient and surgeon(s).     

鼻内镜辅助下减张法功能性鼻整形手术疗效观察

目的“减张法”是保持鼻背软骨-鼻中隔软骨复合体完整性、通过解除张力而使其居中对称的方法。本文研究鼻内镜辅助下减张法功能性鼻整形手术的主观和客观疗效。方法对67 例行鼻内镜辅助下减张法功能性鼻整形手术的鼻畸形患者临床资料进行回顾性总结分析。美学效果用电子测量尺测量和患者视觉模拟评分法。鼻阻塞改善程度用鼻阻力计测量和鼻阻塞症状评分法评估。结果34 例I型鼻畸形患者鼻畸形角度电子测量值术后（2.24±1.68）度与术前（11.94±3.17）度比较,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.001）。33 例C型鼻畸形患者鼻畸形角度电子测量值术后（177.20±5.80）度与术前（158.34±9.96）度比较,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.001）。患者主观满意度很好53 例（79.1%）,好13 例（19.4%）,一般1 例（1.5%）。术后鼻阻塞较术前明显改善,差异具有统计学意义（α=0.95,P<0.001）。术后随访期间所有患者未见并发症。结论鼻内镜下减张法功能性鼻整形手术有效、微创,适用于各种鼻畸形的治疗。     

Evaluation of nasal tip shape in patients with severe caudal septal deviation after modified extracorporeal endonasal septoplasty

ObjectivesThe aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of modified extracorporeal endonasal septoplasty on nasal tip shape and function in patients with severe caudal septal deviation.MethodsThe study population comprised of 55 patients undergoing modified extracorporeal endonasal septoplasty, which called marionette septoplasty. To analyse the aesthetic objective outcomes, postoperative photographs were measured for projection index (PI), tip projection (TP), nasolabial angle (NLA), tip deviation angle (TDA), nasofrontal angle (NFA), supratip height (STH), columellar height (CH), at three times (2 weeks, 3, and 6 months after surgery) and were compared with preoperative photographs. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were also evaluated using nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale and standardized cosmesis and health nasal outcomes survey (SCHNOS).ResultsBetween the pre- and post-operative 6th-month examinations, a significant increase in PI and TP were 7%, and 5% respectively. There was a significant alteration in the NLA and TDA values following the last examination (mean difference ± standard error of mean 9.68 ± 0.9° and 1.5 ± 0.8°, respectively). Moreover, the technique did not make a significant change in the final NFA, STH, and CH, measurements. Following surgery, the NOSE and SCHNOS scores were decreased significantly and the improvement continued over time until the last examination.ConclusionThe present study findings suggest that the marionette septoplasty technique is an effective to correct and stabilize severe caudal septal deviations. This technique also can provide tip support and protection with a low incidence of dorsal irregularity.     

Improvement of Pulmonary Functions Following Septoplasty: How Are Lower Airways Affected?

ObjectivesNasal septal deviation is a frequent cause of increased nasal airway resistance. A narrow nasal airway would result in a decreased airflow into the lungs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the alterations of the pulmonary functions following septoplasty using spirometry and 6 minutes walking test (6mWT). And reveal the correlation of symptom score improvement with nasal obstruction symptom score (NOSE) and sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT22) questionnaires following surgery.MethodsThirty patients with obvious nasal septal deviations were enrolled in the study. All patients had a detailed otorhinolaryngologic examination, filled NOSE/SNOT22 questionnaires, performed spirometry and 6mWT preoperatively. One month after surgery, NOSE/SNOT22 questionnaires filled by subjects and spirometry with 6mWT were performed again, and the results were compared.ResultsThe mean total walking distance was 702.3±68.2 m preoperatively, and it improved to 753.2±72.6 m postoperatively (P<0.001). Total tour count increased from 11 (range, 10.8 to 12.0) to 12 (range, 11 to 13.3), and the difference was found statistically significant (P<0.001). When the preoperative and postoperative mean 6mWT results were compared, diastolic blood pressure increased from 70 to 80 mmHg (P=0.031), heart rate increased from 83.5±13.2 to 90.1±12.5 bpm (P=0.017), dyspnea rate decreased from 1 to 0 (P=0.002), and fatigue scores reduced from 2 to 1 (P=0.003). Evaluation on spirometry findings revealed that FIF_50% (maximum inspiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity [FVC]) scores and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values improved significantly after surgery. Septoplasty improves the nasal breathing pattern. While reducing FEF_50% (maximum expiratory flow at 50% of FVC)/FIF_50%, it increases PEF and FIF_50% values. In addition, as shown by 6mWT, exercise capacity improves following surgery. Postoperative NOSE and SNOT22 scores reduced markedly compared to preoperative values (P<0.001).ConclusionThese findings suggest that nasal septal surgery has a positive effect on pulmonary functions, and this can be an important clue for the relationship of lung disorders and nasal obstruction.     

Objective evaluation of caudal deviation of the nasal septum and selection of the appropriate septoplasty technique

ObjectiveSeveral methods have been reported to correct caudal deviation of the nasal septum, including open septorhinoplasty (OSR) and septoplasty with Killian incision (KI). In general, OSR is applied instead of KI for caudal deviation. However, there is little objective evidence own on the effects of OSR and KI for caudal deviation. In this study, we compared surgical outcomes between OSR and KI by quantifying nasal septum deviation using two simple and objective parameters on routine paranasal sinus CT scans.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 18 patients who underwent OSR and 11 patients who underwent septoplasty with KI between April 2006 and October 2019. Caudal deviation was defined on the basis of the “Anterior-posterior Position of the most deviated point of the nasal septum (AP),” which was measured on computerized tomography. The deformation rate (DR) of the nasal septum was also calculated. Nasal airway resistance and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for nasal obstruction were examined.ResultsThe AP was significantly correlated with the VAS score (r=-0.58, p=0.017). The DR in patients with caudal septal deviation was significantly decreased by OSR (0.14±0.06 to 0.03±0.03, p=0.004), but not by KI (0.09±0.08 to 0.04±0.03, p=0.25). OSR also improved nasal airway resistance (1.10±0.44 to 0.42±0.15, p=0.02), and the VAS score (79.11±14.74 to 5.78±7.89, p=0.004).ConclusionNasal obstruction is more severe in patients with the caudal deviation. OSR corrects caudal deviation of the nasal septum more effectively than does KI. The AP could be useful for the evaluation of the deviation of the nasal septum and help in selecting the appropriate septoplastic technique.     

Computed tomography evaluation of internal nasal valve angle and area and its correlation with NOSE scale for symptomatic improvement in rhinoplasty

IntroductionNasal obstruction is one of the most frequent otolaryngologic complaints; and the collapse of the internal nasal valve is one the main causes of the nasal air flow obstruction.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate internal nasal valve by using reformatted CT-scans pre- and post- rhinoplasty at 3 months and to assess its correlation to symptomatic improvement of nasal obstruction using the NOSE scale.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted between March 2017–May 2018 in a tertiary care otorhinolaryngology center. We included patients suffering from nasal obstruction secondary to internal nasal angle collapse and nasal deformity. Patients with sinusitis, nasal polyposis, and nasal masses were excluded.ResultsTwenty consecutive patients underwent rhinoplasty, with a mean age (22.2 ± 2.8), with majority of males (n = 14; 70%). There was no significant correlation between pre- and post- CT-scans of the internal nasal valve angle/area and NOSE scores. A high significant difference was detected between mean pre- and post- NOSE scores (p < 0.0001), which was absent in CT-scan results.ConclusionReformatted CT-scans measurements of internal nasal valve area and angle were not of value. NOSE scores pre- and post- rhinoplasty had a significant value to determine degree of obstructive symptom improvement.     

Evaluation of the Esthetic and Functional Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty for Rhinoplasty in Asian Patients

ObjectivesIn extracorporeal septoplasty (ECS), the entire septal cartilage is harvested, and a neo-L strut is built extracorporeally. Thus, ECS can simultaneously achieve septum straightening and tip projection. This study evaluated the functional and esthetic outcomes of the ECS technique for rhinoplasty in Asian patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 64 patients who underwent rhinoplasty using ECS between January 2016 and March 2018. Subjective patient satisfaction was assessed and objective surgical outcomes were evaluated. Improvement in nasal obstruction was rated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Anthropometric changes were compared between preoperative and postoperative facial photographs. Complications and revisions were also analyzed.ResultsThe participants comprised 64 patients (48 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 29.3 years). The mean operative time was 89.3 minutes. In total, 61 patients were satisfied with the esthetic outcome, and the overall objective rhinoplasty outcome score was 3.45. Preoperative nasal obstruction symptoms (7.9±1.2 on VAS) improved postoperatively (3.1±1.3, P<0.001), and significant improvements were also observed in the nasofrontal angle (152.3° to 148.1°, P<0.001), nasolabial angle (88.8° to 92.0°, P<0.001), and nasal tip projection (0.62 to 0.66, P<0.033). Recurrent deviation of the nasal septum and external nose or tip deprojection did not occur in any patients, and there were no cases of revision during the mean follow-up period of 13.3 months.ConclusionECS might be an esthetically and functionally satisfactory alternative rhinoplasty technique for Asian patients with a shortage of septal cartilage.     

Nasal septum deviation and Eustachian tube function: A prospective case-control study based on tympanometry,tubomanometry, and ETDQ-7

IntroductionThe influence of isolated nasal septum deviation (NSD) in the Eustachian Tube (ET) function is still undetermined.Objectivecompare ET function between patients with severe NSD and patients with adequate nasal patency in terms of symptomology and objective exams and assess the impact of septoplasty in ET function in patients with severe NSD.Methods and methodologya prospective study was conducted. In the first phase of the study, two opportunistic samples were selected: 35 patients with severe NSD for group A and 35 patients with adequate nasal patency for group B. Both groups were evaluated through Nasal obstruction Subjective Questionnaire (NOSE) and ET dysfunction questionnaire 7 (ETDQ7) –, and through two objective exams to assess ET function – tympanometry, and tubomanometry (TMM); results were compared between group A and B. In the second phase of the study, the patients from group A underwent septoplasty and were re-evaluated through ETDQ7, tympanometry and TMM; results were compared before and after surgery.Resultswe found a statistically significant difference between patients with NSD and patients with adequate nasal patency in NOSE and ETDQ7 (higher scores in the latter), and TMM (worse results in patients with NSD); the difference in tympanometry was not statistically significant. The side of the NSD did not correlate with the side of the dysfunction. After septoplasty, patients from group A had statistically significant lower scores in ETDQ7 and a lower proportion of patients with findings compatible with ET dysfunction using TMM.Conclusionaccording to our results, severe NSD alone is a cause of ET dysfunction; septal surgery might improve ET function in these patients.     

Radiofrequency turbinate reduction: a NOSE evaluation

BACKGROUND: The symptoms and treatments for nasal obstruction are numerous and common. Yet, a consensus on a surgical approach or, even more importantly, how to define the success of any approach is lacking in the literature. A disease-specific outcomes instrument recently developed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology, known as the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, has allowed for a validated, uniform method to compare different treatments for nasal obstruction. METHODS: Using the NOSE scale, we prospectively compared the use of bilateral radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction (BRITR) only with that of BRITR with septoplasty in the treatment of nasal obstruction caused by the combination of septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy. NOSE scores were obtained pretreatment and at 3 month and 6 month follow-up. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated significant improvement from baseline after 6 months for the NOSE scores in both the BRITR (P < .001) and BRITR/septoplasty groups (P = .023). No statistical difference was noted in the amount of postoperative improvement between the two treatment groups (P = .304). Both groups did demonstrate a large, clinically important effect using a distribution-based assessment of clinical change. Despite equal clinically effective results, estimated costs for each treatment option differed significantly, with the office-based BRITR only group providing significant cost savings compared with the hospital-based BRITR/septoplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that BRITR should be considered as an initial treatment option for nasal obstruction rather than a septoplasty with turbinate reduction in patients with the clinical findings of both a septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy after failure of medical therapy.     

Quick septoplasty in children: Long-term effects on nasal breathing and dentofacial morphology. A prospective cephalometric study

ObjectiveMany authors have investigated the most appropriate surgical approach to the deviated septum in childhood, considering the obligate mouth-breathing habit a possible cause of malocclusion and disharmonious development of the facial skeleton in growing kids. Nevertheless, controversies still remain about the long-term functional/esthetic results of such procedures, mainly due to the duration of the follow-up and possible confounding factors.Methods111 Caucasian children (age range: 6–13 years) were submitted to a personal “Quick” septoplasty surgical technique between 2005 and 2010. Preoperative otorhinolaryngological examination using flexible nasal endoscopy, anterior active rhinomanometry (AAR), Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) questionnaire, and dentofacial evaluation (including cephalometry) were performed. Postoperative AAR, NOSE questionnaire and cephalometric assessment were carried out in all patients at the age of 18 years. Informed consent was obtained from children's parents as appropriate.ResultsNo surgical complication was recorded. Among our patients, a significant (p <0.001) improvement of nasal breathing resistances at AAR and NOSE questionnaire scores was found after surgery. A significant improvement in cephalometric/dental parameters (gonial angle values, anterior facial height, prevalence of class I occlusion, maxillary intermolar width, and cross-bite frequency) was noticed after the follow-up with respect to preoperative conditions.ConclusionThe “Quick” septoplasty technique described is a practical and conservative procedure with a low complication rate that offers long-term favourable results for the correction of nasal septum deviations in children. Nasal-breathing restoration may favor a physiological and harmonious development of craniofacial and dental structures in offspring.     

鼻中隔矫正术后鼻腔微创支架与膨胀海绵填塞的临床对照研究

目的 通过对比观察鼻腔支架与膨胀海绵应用于鼻中隔矫正术后填塞的临床效果及舒适度,分析鼻腔支架临床应用的安全性及有效性。方法 选择因鼻中隔偏曲行鼻中隔偏曲矫正术患者56例,按填塞方式随机分为鼻腔支架组（实验组26例）和膨胀海绵组（对照组30例）,比较两组填塞期止血效果、舒适度及并发症情况。结果 实验组有效率69%,对照组有效率60%,差异无统计学意义（χ²=0.517,P=0.472）,术后视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分均值显示实验组鼻塞、鼻痛、头痛、溢泪、面部胀痛、吞咽困难、睡眠障碍、口干及总体不适均小于对照组,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。实验组及对照组患者均未出现鼻中隔穿孔、鼻中隔血肿及感染等并发症。结论 鼻腔支架作为鼻中隔矫正术后新型填塞方式安全有效,舒适度优于膨胀海绵填塞,可进一步应用于临床。     

Relationship between nasal septum morphology and nasal obstruction symptom severity: computed tomography study

IntroductionThe impact of the nasal septum morphology on the severity of obstruction symptoms has not been fully explored.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether the morphology of the deviated nasal septum assessed by computed tomography may explain nasal obstruction severity.MethodsThe study included 386 patients who were referred to the computed tomography examination of the paranasal sinuses. Patient selection criteria were the absence of facial anomalies, facial trauma, nasal surgery, and sinonasal tumors. Computed tomography images were used to estimate deviated nasal septum prevalence, the prevalence of Mladina's seven types of deviated nasal septum, and to measure the deviated nasal septum angle. Nasal obstruction severity was assessed by the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation, NOSE scale. The relationship between NOSE score, deviated nasal septum morphology, and deviated nasal septum angle was performed by a statistical regression model on the reduced sample of 225 patients.ResultsThe prevalence of deviated nasal septum was 92.7%. Type 7 deviated nasal septum was the most frequent (34.2%) followed by type 5 (26.2%) and type 3 (23.6%). The worst NOSE scores were recorded in the type 2 deviated nasal septum (45.00 ± 28.28). The mean deviated nasal septum angle in patients with nasal obstruction was 8.5° ± 3.24. NOSE scores were not significantly associated with deviated nasal septum types and angles.ConclusionPatients with different types of deviated nasal septum have different NOSE scores. Computed tomography morphology of the deviated nasal septum could not fully explain the severity of nasal obstruction.