The effect of septoplasty on sequelae of nasal septal deviation

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of septoplasty in relieving symptoms and problems attributed to septal deviation including: nasal obstruction, recurrent sinusitis, recurrent /or chronic pharyngitis, epistaxis and snoring. Methods: This case series included eighty four patients with septal deviation severe enough to necessitate surgical intervention (severe nasal obstruction not relieved by medical treatment). The study was carried out at Al-Jumhori Teaching Hospital from July 2009 to Oct. 2010. All patients were suffering from nasal obstruction. Twenty seven patients had recurrent sinusitis, seven recurrent or chronic pharyngitis, five recurrent epistaxis, and snoring was found in four patients. The mean follow-up was six months with a range of 3-15 months. Results: The mean age of our patients was 27.3 years with a range of 15-52 years. The study included 52 males (61.9%) and 32 females (38.1%) with a ratio of 1.62:1. Sixty eight patients (80.9%) reported good improvement in their nasal obstruction after surgery. Improvement in recurrent sinusitis, chronic pharyngitis, epistaxis and snoring was 55.5%, 28.5%, 80% and 25% respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that septoplasty is indicated mainly to relieve nasal obstruction resulting from moderate to severe nasal septal deviation. Other conditions which are commonly attributed to septal deviation including recurrent sinusitis, chronic pharyngitis, epistaxis and snoring are not necessarily cured by this surgery. Keywords: Septoplasty, septal deviation.