Sensation of nasal patency compared to rhinomanometric results after septoplasty

Abstract

The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the subjective sensation of nasal airflow resistance, the rhinoscopic findings and the objective measures of nasal obstruction in patients followed up after septoplasty. A further goal was to determine which of the above modalities is most suitable for assessment of the severity of nasal obstruction and which best indicates the need for surgery. 86 patients who had previously undergone septoplastic surgery were recruited. Objective and subjective measures of nasal obstruction were recorded by using active anterior rhinomanometry, rhinoscopy and a visual analogue scale. The Spearman rank order correlation model revealed a significant correlation between the VAS score and the airway resistance of the more obstructed nasal cavity (r = 0.24); furthermore, between the VAS score and rhinoscopic findings (r = 0.35). By applying the generalized linear model, we also found significant relation between the VAS score and the rhinomanometric data, and between the rhinoscopic findings and the airway resistance of the more obstructed nasal cavity (p = 0.02). The correlation between the subjective sensation of nasal airflow resistance, the rhinoscopic findings, and the rhinomanometric data proved to be significant, but weak even in the group of patients that underwent septoplasty. Every postoperative complaint should therefore be evaluated carefully. Rhinomanometry is an appropriate diagnostic tool with which to determine the measure of obstruction caused by nasal pathological factors. It is suitable for making objective the patients' complaints. Rhinoscopy, beyond the assessment of the degree of obstruction, is capable of analysis of its cause. The decision as to the need for surgery should be based on rhinoscopy, or nasal endoscopy, and can be supported by pathologically elevated resistance of the more obstructed nasal cavity.