A comparative study of conventional septoplasty versus endoscopic septoplasty

Abstract

Introduction:A deviated septum can be asymptomatic or can cause functional and cosmetic abnormalities. Different studies have been proposed for the correction of deviated septum, but septoplasty has been the treatment of choice. Septoplasty is a more conservative surgery and endoscopic septoplasty has become increasingly popular over the past few decades.Materials and Methods:The study was carried out to compare the post-operative results among patients of conventional and endoscopic septoplasty and to assess the efficacy of endoscopic septoplasty with other surgeries. The present study was conducted among 40 patients of deviated nasal septum admitted in the Department of Otolaryngology of Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda. Patients were selected by simple random sampling and were divided into Groups A and B, with 20 patients in each group. Group A underwent conventional septoplasty and Group B underwent endoscopic septoplasty.Results:The male-to-female ratio in the present study was 3:1. Deviated nasal septum was commonly associated with inferior turbinate hypertrophy (45%) and concha bullosa (27.5%). Postoperatively, a significant relief from the symptoms of nasal obstruction (85%), nasal discharge (25%), headache (30%), and postnasal drip (55%) was observed in endoscopic septoplasty. Complication rate was higher in conventional septoplasty. The endoscopic approach facilitates proper alignment by limited and precise resection of pathological areas.Conclusion:Endoscopic septoplasty provides precise resection of the pathological areas and better illumination with limited flap dissection and exposure.