The Role of Nasal Endoscopy in the Preoperative Evaluation of Nasal Airway Obstruction.

Abstract

To examine the prevalence and nature of nasal endoscopic findings in patients referred for structural nasal obstruction, and analyze how such findings influence the preoperative evaluation or operative plan. Cross-sectional study. University-based academic otolaryngology practice. Nasal endoscopy was performed by a single surgeon and the exam findings were documented. Patient demographics, variables in the patient history, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scores, and an Ease-of-Breathing Likert Scale were tested for associations with findings on endoscopy. A total of 82 of 346 patients (23.7%) had findings on rigid nasal endoscopy not appreciable on anterior rhinoscopy. Prior nasal surgery (p = .001) and positive allergy testing (p = .013) were significantly associated with findings on nasal endoscopy. Endoscopic findings prompted additional preoperative studies in 50 (14.5%) patients, and a change in the operative plan in 26 (7.5%) patients. In patients referred for surgical management of nasal obstruction, findings on nasal endoscopy otherwise undetected with anterior rhinoscopy are most common in but certainly not limited to those with prior nasal surgery or allergic rhinitis. Routine nasal endoscopy should be considered for all patients being evaluated for nasal airway surgery. These results may benefit future updates of the clinical consensus statements regarding the role of nasal endoscopy in the evaluation of nasal valve compromise and septoplasty.