Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Questionnaire Research Articles

Designing a Nasal Lining-Framework Complex for Reconstructing Total Nasal Defects.

To validate the feasibility of an innovative nasal lining-framework complex (NLFC) for reconstructing total nasal defects. Retrospective cohort study. This NLFC is composed of forearm flap and support framework. Twenty-four patients were followed up for a minimum of 17 months in 5 centers. Patients' medical history data were retrospectively analyzed. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of surgeons and patients was used to evaluate the aesthetic effects and self-satisfaction. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire were used for functional assessment. Reconstruction surgeries were all successfully completed. The flaps healed well in all patients, and there were no signs of ischemic necrosis. The healing time of the wound was 10 to 14 days, except for 1 case with infection. The nasal lining was reconstructed and no significant contracture was observed. The average VAS of surgeons was 4.29 ± 0.69 (range 3-5). The mean VAS score of patients was 3.75 ± 0.79 (range 2-5). There was a significant positive correlation between patients' and surgeons' VAS scores (P = .007, r = .5355). The results of the NOSE questionnaire showed that all patients had no obvious ventilation restriction, and only 3 patients mildly felt that the nasal inspirations were slightly insufficient during exercise or exertion. The mean ROE of the patients was 21 ± 1.96 (range 18-25). This NLFC is suitable for total nasal reconstruction, which can provide effective support to prevent flap collapse and retraction and ensure good nasal ventilation. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Translation and validation of the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale (M-NOSE).

The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) is a questionnaire to assess patients with nasal obstruction. The aim of this study was to translate and validate NOSE to the Malay version NOSE (M-NOSE). The NOSE questionnaire was translated to Malay language and back to English. Psychometric properties consisting of reliability, reproducibility, validity, responsiveness were appraised in patients with nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum and healthy asymptomatic controls. A total of 126 participants were recruited. There was significant difference between patients and controls for all items and the total score (all p<0.001). The correlation was moderate to strong between all items and total score (r=0.71 to 0.8) and fair to moderate for the inter-items correlations (r= 0.31 to 0.70). Internal consistency for M-NOSE was good (α=0.81). The test-retest for each item demonstrated no significant difference. There was significant difference of the pre- and post-operative mean for each item and total score (all p<0.001) with good response sensitivity (effect size, d=4.91). The M-NOSE has satisfactory reliability, internal consistency, reproducibility and responsiveness. It is a valid and convenient tool in the assessment of the impact and treatment outcome of nasal obstruction.

Revision rhinoplasty with free diced cartilage grafts: Outcome evaluations with the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale

Background/Aim: The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale is a validated, reliable, and feasible instrument used to evaluate nasal obstruction severity. We aimed to assess patient satisfaction using the NOSE score after revision rhinoplasty with free diced cartilage (fDC) grafts. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 36 patients who underwent a revision rhinoplasty procedure completed the Turkish version of the NOSE questionnaire before and six months after rhinoplasty. Pre- and postoperative NOSE scores were compared using the Mann Whitney U test. Results: The pre- and postoperative total mean NOSE scores were 68.06 and 8.47, respectively. The NOSE score significantly decreased six months after rhinoplasty surgery (P&lt;0.001). Adapting to exercise was the parameter with the highest improvement rate. Conclusion: The outcome of the NOSE questionnaires in patients with nasal deformities shows that a revision rhinoplasty surgery with the placement of fDC grafts contributes to the improvement of nasal functions. The Turkish version of the NOSE scale is a useful tool to assess patient satisfaction among the Turkish population.

Comparison in Patient Satisfaction Between Structural Component and Hybrid T-bar Preservation Rhinoplasty: A Retrospective Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study.

Recently, a modified dorsal split preservation technique has been described. In this method, the integrity of the elastic keystone area is preserved by separation of the upper lateral cartilages from the septal T-bar. Our study aimed to evaluate the aesthetical and functional outcome in patients treated with the dorsal T-bar preservation versus the 'gold' standard dorsal split component reduction approach. We performed a retrospective propensity score matched analysis in 234 patients enrolled for rhinoplasty. The severity of nasal obstruction was measured with the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation questionnaire (NOSE score). Aesthetic evaluation was performed with the FACE-Q nose and nostrils and Utrecht Questionnaire (UQ). Assessments were conducted prior to surgery, at 3 and at 6 months after surgery. After propensity score matching, 172 patients in two cohorts were retained. The following covariates were taken into the statistical calculation: age, gender, ethnicity, previous nasal surgery, nasal trauma, respiratory allergy, and preoperative NOSE scores. The first cohort of 110 patients underwent rhinoplasty with T-bar preservation technique (TDP). The control cohort consisted of 62 patients who underwent dorsal split component reduction (SCR). The mean preoperative scores for FACE-Q nose, FACE-Q nostrils, UQ and VAS score improved significantly in all patients postoperatively. Both techniques had comparable aesthetic outcome measures that remained unchanged between 3 and 6 months postop. Functional outcome as measured by the NOSE score was in favor of SCR at 3 months postop but the difference between both techniques was not significant anymore at 6 months postop. In contrast to SCR, in TDP, only 31% of the patients needed spreader grafts or autospreader flaps at the internal valve area only for functional reasons. The data in this study suggest similar patient satisfaction with SCR and TDP techniques for aesthetics as well as nasal function after 6 months postop. TDP is a very versatile cartilage-sparing method to aesthetically adapt the middle vault without interrupting the keystone area. It combines the popular component separation concept with the preservation of the delicate anatomy of the mid-vault. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Translation and Validation of the Thai Version of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale.

The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) was developed to evaluate subjective outcomes of patients with deviated nasal septum and symptomatic nasal obstruction. Considering the differences in individuals' cultural, cross-cultural translation, adaptation, and validation of the instrument are necessary. The current study aimed to translate and validate the Thai version of the NOSE Questionnaire for patients with nasal septum deviation. A single-center prospective instrument validation study. Thai tertiary referral center. The study was conducted to translate and adapt the original English version of the NOSE to Thai. After translating, psychometric testing was conducted. The primary outcomes were validity (content, construct, and discriminant), reproducibility (test-retest procedure), and internal consistency (reliability). A total of 105 participants, of which 46 were patients with nasal airway obstruction and 59 were healthy asymptomatic volunteers, were enrolled in this study. The Thai-NOSE was found to be adequate for all tested psychometric properties with high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .942), and to discriminate accurately between patients and healthy controls. The interitem and item-total correlations indicated a related construct among all items. A high level of reproducibility of the questionnaire was obtained in the test-retest procedure for each item (γ = 0.898). The initial test and retest scores indicated adequate reproducibility. The Thai-NOSE questionnaire is a reliable instrument with appropriate psychometric properties for assessing the severity and impact of nasal airway obstruction in patients with nasal septum deviation.

Prospective study on the functional outcome of septoplasty

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; A thorough assessment of nasal obstruction remains a matter of debate with no accepted subjective and objective measurement tools. The purpose of this study was to use a cost-effective tool for objective assessment of nasal obstruction and compare it with subjective scores.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This was a longitudinal, prospective study conducted at a tertiary care center on patients undergoing septoplasty for deviated nasal septum (DNS) from March 2016 to August 2017. All patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively at 3 months with nasal peak inspiratory flow, sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire to determine post-operative improvement and correlation between objective and subjective scores. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; 64 patients were included in the study with 16 females and 48 males. Male patients had higher peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) score post-operatively. Younger patients (less than 25 years) showed significant subjective improvement compared to older patients post-operatively using NOSE questionnaire. Significant improvement in PNIF, SNOT-22 and NOSE scores post-operatively using paired student-t test. There was moderate correlation between PNIF values and subjective scores before surgery and excellent correlation between the subjective SNOT-22 and NOSE scores before and after surgery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; PNIF is a cheap, portable, and convenient method for assessing nasal patency. Subjective and objective scores have good correlation, with improvement in all scores post-surgery. Men may show more objective improvement and early intervention at younger age may provide more subjective improvement.&lt;/p&gt;

Correlations between objective and subjective tests of nasal patency in patients undergoing septoplasty.

This study assessed correlations between pre- and post-operative objective and subjective nasal patency test results in patients undergoing septoplasty to treat nasal septum deviation. Eighty nasal septum deviation patients who underwent septoplasty were prospectively enrolled. Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire scores, anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry data were compared pre-operatively and three months after surgery. The left, right and total volume and left, right and total minimum cross-sectional area acoustic rhinometry values were compared. The left volume, total volume, left minimum cross-sectional area and total minimum cross-sectional area differed significantly between the two time-points (all p < 0.05). The total resistance, inspiratory total airflow, expiratory total resistance and expiratory total airflow rhinomanometric data did not differ between the two timepoints (all p > 0.05). This study suggested that subjective tests such as the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire are optimal to identify complaints and assess post-operative satisfaction.

Combining Aesthetic Septorhinoplasty With Bioabsorbable Implants for Nasal Valve Insufficiency

This case report demonstrates the usage of a bioabsorbable nasal implant (BNI) in conjunction with an aesthetic septorhinoplasty. The authors uniquely chose to use this allograft due to inadequate autologous tissue secondary to previously performed temporomandibular joint arthroplasties. In addition to evaluating our case of a 22-year-old woman who received a BNI with an aesthetic septorhinoplasty, the authors performed a comprehensive literature review on the topic. Spanning 3 databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane), this review revealed 4 primary studies, totaling 349 patients. Each utilized nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scores to subjectively measure symptomatic improvement. We chose to use the NOSE questionnaire on our patient both preoperatively and postoperatively, in order to help demonstrate subjective improvement. The patient’s functional and aesthetic concerns were addressed in the operating room at Parkland Memorial Hospital under general anesthesia. Notably, the patient had previously had conchal cartilage harvested bilaterally, had insufficient septal cartilage for adequate grafting, and did not desire to undergo costal cartilage harvest. Therefore, all parties agreed to use a BNI to complete the functional component of the patient’s septorhinoplasty. This day-surgery first focused on the aesthetic septorhinoplasty followed by the placement of the BNI bilaterally. Following an uneventful postoperative course, our patient endorsed not only an aesthetic improvement but also an 88% functional improvement based on her NOSE score within 4 months of surgery. The authors were able to successfully integrate functional as well as aesthetic septorhinoplasty techniques under the constraints of having both limited autologous tissue and limited accepted options from the patient. For the patient and provider team, this newer allograft was confirmed to be effective and efficient. With the correct patient selection, this is an excellent adjunct procedure that can be quickly and safely performed either in conjunction with surgical rhinoplasty or as a standalone procedure by facial surgeons.

Application of FACE-Q and NOSE in Nasal Reconstruction with Paramedian Frontal Flap after Skin Cancer Resection.

Introduction:Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality, resulting in a high cost to the health system. The nose is the leading region affected by this type of tumor and may need reconstruction by tissue transfer. The paramedian forehead flap (PFF) is one of the main options used, and the factors that influence the result should be studied. The FACE-Q questionnaire allows the assessment of appearance, quality of life, and side effects related to the procedure, whereas the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire enables the nose function evaluation.Methods:This study evaluates nasal reconstruction with a PFF after resection of NMSC with the FACE-Q questionnaire and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation. Spearman Rank correlation coefficient tests between the questionnaire results and patients' characteristics were performed.Results:The questionnaires were completely answered by 49 patients who underwent this reconstruction between 2011 and 2019 in a cancer center. The patients’ evaluations demonstrate high satisfaction with appearance, quality of life, side effects, and function. Completing reconstruction under 6 months was associated with a higher quality of life among patients (P = 0.002). Reconstruction of lining or scaffold, moment of flap division, complications, and number of operations did not show an association.Conclusion:This study suggests that the PFF is a reliable option for nasal reconstruction. Identifying the total reconstruction time as an impact factor on patients’ quality of life should be considered when planning treatment.

Effect of septoplasty on inferior turbinate hypertrophy

Background Septal deviation is usually associated with compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral inferior turbinate. The current treatment of anterior septal deviation is septoplasty, but there is controversy about surgery for the hypertrophied inferior turbinate. Aim This study aims to determine the effect of septoplasty surgery alone on the size of inferior turbinate. Patients and methods This prospective study was done on 40 patients who attended ENT Department of Al-Zahraa University Hospital. This study was done in the period from September 2019 to September 2020. Their age ranged from 18 to 40 years. They had septal deviation on one side and inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) on the opposite side. All of them underwent septoplasty without turbinate surgery. These patients were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively by radiological (computed tomography), endoscopic examination, and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation questionnaire. Results Septoplasty alone significantly decreased the thickness of the medial mucosa of hypertrophied inferior turbinate by 1.03±0.74 mm (P=0.000) at the anterior part and decrease by 0.82±1.14 mm at the middle part (P=0.000), with no statistically significant decrease at the posterior part. Moreover, it also decreased the thickness of the lateral mucosa of turbinate by 0.31±0.25 mm (P=0.000) at the anterior part, decrease by 0.42±0.39 mm at the middle part (P=0.000), and no significant decrease at the posterior part. Insignificant change of conchal bone thickness on both sides was reported. Conclusion We conclude that septoplasty alone saves time and cost and avoids complications and sequelae associated with turbinectomy. This in turn improves quality of life, so it can be prescribed for patients with DNS with ITH mainly at anterior and middle segment soft tissue parts, but it is not enough for surgery of patients with ITH of posterior part or conchal bone.

Rasch Analysis of Patient- and Parent-Reported Outcome Measures in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Standard Set for Cleft Lip and Palate

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric performance of the patient- and parent-reported measures in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) Standard Set for Cleft Care, and to identify ways of improving concept coverage. MethodsData from 714 patients with cleft lip and/or palate, aged 8 to 9, 10 to 12.5, and 22 years were collected between November 2015 and April 2019 at Erasmus University Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Duke Children’s Hospital, and from participating sites in the CLEFT-Q Phase 3 study. The Standard Set includes 9 CLEFT-Q scales, the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire, the Child Oral Health Impact Profile–Oral Symptoms Scale (COHIP-OSS), and the Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS). Targeting, item-fit statistics, thresholds for item responses, and measurement precision (PSI) were analyzed using Rasch measurement theory. ResultsThe proportion of the sample to score within each instruments range of measurement varied from 69% (ICS) to 92% (CLEFT-Q teeth and COHIP-OSS). Specific problems with individual items within the NOSE and COHIP-OSS questionnaires were noted, such as poor item fit to the Rasch model and disordered thresholds (6 of 10). Reliability measured with PSI was above 0.82 for the ICS and all but one CLEFT-Q scale (speech distress). PSIs were lowest for the COHIP-OSS (0.43) and NOSE questionnaire (0.35). ConclusionThe patient- and parent-reported components within the facial appearance, psychosocial function, and speech domains are valid measures; however, the facial function and oral health domains are not sufficiently covered by the CLEFT-Q eating and drinking, NOSE, and COHIP-OSS, and these questionnaires may not be accurate enough to stratify cleft-related outcomes.

Evaluation of the quality of life before and after septoplasty among patients with deviated nasal septum using nasal obstruction symptom evaluation questionnaire

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The objective of the study was to evaluate the quality of life before and after septoplasty among patients with nasal obstruction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This study was done in Government Medical College Srinagar from September 2017 to September 2018 for a period of 12 months. A total of 33 patients with deviated nasal septum who underwent septoplasty were included in the study. They were given a questionnaire nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) to be fulfilled preoperatively, then 3 months and at 6 months after surgery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The preoperative NOSE score was 72.62±22.69 and postoperative score was 10.78±15.27 at 3 months, 5.72±10.1 at 6 months.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Disease specific health related quality of life measured with NOSE in patients undergoing septoplasty showed improvement at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively.&lt;/p&gt;

The Impact of Nasal Obstruction and Functional Septorhinoplasty on Sleep Quality.

Importance: Functional septorhinoplasty (FSRP) has been shown to improve both global and disease-specific quality of life (QOL). However, the mechanism by which FSRP improves QOL has not been fully defined. We reasoned that NAO may impact sleep quality and, therefore, studied the relationship using validated patient-reported outcome measures. Objective: To investigate the correlation between NAO and sleep quality using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Quality (FOSQ-10) questionnaires, and to evaluate the effect of FSRP on NAO and sleep quality. Design, Setting, and Participants: This is a prospective longitudinal study of 125 patients undergoing FSRP for the repair of NAO between November 2017 and April 2019 in a university-based tertiary care medical center. The individuals (mean age = 38 ± 15.6 years, 65 females; 52%) were invited to complete the FOSQ-10 survey preoperatively and at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and 122 of these patients also completed the NOSE questionnaire. Sixty individuals who reported a history of snoring also completed the Snoring Outcomes Survey (SOS). Twelve of 125 patients had obstructive sleep apnea. Patient demographics, nasal surgery, and medical histories and outcomes were analyzed. Intervention: Functional septorhinoplasty. Main Outcomes and Measures: Comparison of pre- and postoperative sleep and NAO scores to determine the correlation between the severity of NAO and sleep quality and the impact of correction of NAO on sleep quality. Results: A total of 125 patients completed FOSQ-10 questionnaire with a median score of 18.00 (IQR = 15.33-19.66) at baseline. Among these individuals, 122 patients completed the NOSE questionnaire with a median score of 65 (IQR = 45-75). A negative correlation between NOSE and FOSQ-10 scores was found at baseline (r = -0.380, p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in baseline FOSQ-10 scores between individuals with (n = 12, mean FOSQ-10 score = 13.28 ± 3.19) (p < 0.001) and without sleep apnea (n = 100, mean FOSQ-10 score = 17.24 ± 3.21). After FSRP, the NOSE and FOSQ-10 scores improved at each postoperative follow-up time point. The change in FOSQ-10 scores was statistically significant at months 2, 4, and 6 (p < 0.001) but not at month 12 (p = 0.161). The NOSE scores were statistically different from baseline level for each postoperative follow-up visits (p < 0.001-months 2, 4, and 6 and p = 0.031-month 12). The distribution of NOSE scores was not different statistically (p = 0.984). The negative correlation between NOSE and FOSQ-10 mean scores that was demonstrated at baseline increases postoperatively (r = 0.508, p < 0.001). Conclusions and Relevance: FSRP can improve both symptoms of NAO and sleep quality. The increased correlation between NAO and sleep quality after surgery is consistent with the hypothesis that improvement in NAO improves sleep quality and QOL.

The Nasal Swell Body and Septal Perforation Repair.

To review our experience with secondary surgery for persistent nasal obstruction following successful septal perforation repair and describe the potential contribution of the nasal swell body (NSB) to obstruction. Retrospective chart review. IRB-approved retrospective chart review of perforation repairs utilizing bilateral mucosal flaps performed by the senior author from October 2008 through April 2019 was performed. Patients who underwent secondary surgery for persistent nasal obstruction were identified. Data regarding patient demographics, perforation characteristics, primary closure technique, and secondary surgical procedures for persistent postoperative obstruction were analyzed. Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores were assessed pre and post revision surgery. Thirty-four patients (14.7% of 232 successful repairs) met study criteria. Of those, 30 patients underwent revision septal surgery. An inferiorly advanced NSB was surgically reduced in 9.9% (23/232) of patients following successful closure to improve persistent obstruction. There was no incidence of reperforation. All patients undergoing NSB reduction reported improved nasal airflow postoperatively and 13 completed the NOSE questionnaire. The mean preoperative NOSE score (95% CI) was 52.7 (42.2-63.2; median, 50). The mean postoperative NOSE score (95% CI) was 19.2 (12.8-25.6; median, 15). The difference between the preoperative and postoperative NOSE scores was statistically significant (P < .001). Repair of a septal perforation using a superior bipedicle flap carries the potential for the NSB to contribute to persistent postoperative nasal obstruction. The swell body can be surgically reduced, without re-perforation, to relieve obstructive symptoms in the patient with a successful perforation repair. IV Laryngoscope, 2020.

Does surgical treatment of nasal airway obstruction improve sexual functions?

To investigate the effects of surgical treatment for nasal obstruction on sexual functions, regardless of the condition causing the nasal obstruction. Of 238 patients identified with nasal obstruction, 57 complained of erectile dysfunction and were included in the analysis. Patients underwent septoplasty, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, concha bullosa excision or radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinates, depending on their obstruction-causing disease. Pre- and post-operative evaluation of perceived nasal obstruction was performed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire. Pre- and post-operative assessment of sexual functions was performed using the International Index of Erectile Function. Mean post-operative scores for erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall sexual satisfaction were significantly higher compared to the pre-operative scores (p = 0.022, p = 0.036, p = 0.033, p = 0.016 and p = 0.029, respectively). Surgical treatment of nasal obstruction by septoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, concha bullosa excision or radiofrequency can significantly improve sexual performance.

The Voice Performance After Septoplasty With Surgical Efficacy Demonstrated Through Acoustic Rhinometry and Rhinomanometry

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the surgical efficacy of septoplasty using acoustic rhinometry (AR) and anterior rhinomanometry (ARM) and to evaluate the effect of septoplasty on voice performance through subjective voice analysis methods. Materials and MethodsThis prospective study enrolled a total of 62 patients who underwent septoplasty with the diagnosis of deviated nasal septum. Thirteen patients with no postoperative improvement versus preoperative period as shown by AR and/or ARM tests and three patients with postoperative complications and four patients who were lost to follow-up were excluded. As a result, a total of 42 patients were included in the study. Objective tests including AR, ARM, acoustic voice analysis and spectrographic analysis were performed before the surgery and at 1 month and 3 months after the surgery. Subjective measures included the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire to evaluate surgical success and Voice Handicap Index-30 tool for assessment of voice performance postoperatively, both completed by all study patients. ResultsAmong acoustic voice analysis parameters, F0, jitter, Harmonics-to-Noise Ratio values as well as formant frequency (F1-F2-F3-F4) values did not show significant differences postoperatively in comparison to the preoperative period (P > 0.05). Only the shimmer value was statistically significantly reduced at 1 month (P < 0.05) and 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.05) versus baseline. Statistically significant reductions in Voice Handicap Index-30 scores were observed at postoperative 1 month (P < 0.001) and 3 months (P < 0.001) compared to the preoperative period and between postoperative 1 month and 3 months (P < 0.05). ConclusionIn this study, first operative success of septoplasty was demonstrated through objective tests and then objective voice analyses were performed to better evaluate the overall effect of septoplasty on voice performance. Shimmer value was found to be improved in the early and late postoperative periods.

Septoplasty: is it possible to identify potential "predictors" of surgical success?

SUMMARYSeptoplasty is one of the most frequent surgical procedures performed by otolaryngologists. Despite successful surgical correction, many patients are not satisfied with their outcomes. So far, in clinical practice there is no consensus of opinion about the reliability of objective measurements of nasal patency and the correlation between objective measurements and subjective nasal patency symptoms. This study aims to assess the reasons for patient dissatisfaction after septoplasty and optimise pre-operative diagnostic management to predict surgical outcomes. We analysed 494 patients undergoing septoplasties with turbinoplasty by subjective Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire (NOSE) and objective active anterior rhinomanometric measurements before surgery and after 6 months. In our series, 17% had postoperative septal re-displacement; all patients had an anterior deviations at baseline. We found that the type of septal deviation, anterior vs posterior, was a significant predictor of postoperative functional improvement, whereas demographic characteristics as age, gender and smoke habit were not. Our data suggest that the anterior segment of the nasal septum was the most critical area for nasal airway resistance and more difficult to manage because it is likely to re-displace vs the posterior one and for this reason it represents a negative predictor of postoperative satisfaction.

Validation of a septoplasty deformity grading system for the evaluation of nasal obstruction.

We developed and validated a septal deformity grading (SDG) system that accounts for anatomic location and grading of deformity severity. Retrospective cohort study. Subjects were patients with nasal obstruction presenting to University of California, Irvine Medical Center. Subjects were given pre- and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaires and were evaluated by a facial plastic surgeon using our septal deformity grading (SDG) system. Validity and reliability analyses were conducted on the SDG results. Statistical analyses were conducted on SDG and NOSE data to assess and compare instruments, and to validate the SDG instrument using the NOSE instrument. One hundred thirty-five patients met inclusion criteria. Cronbach's α was ≥ 0.7 for SDG and pre- and postoperative NOSE scores. There was a significant difference in pre- and postoperative NOSE scores (Z score = -7.21, P < .001). Correlations between postoperative NOSE and SDG scores were significant (P = .014), and convergent construct validity was achieved. There was a significant difference in SDG scores between primary versus revision operations (P < .001), history versus no history of nasal trauma, and nasal/septal surgery (P = .025, P = .003, respectively). The odds of having a revision operation were 2.3 times higher for high SDG scores (P < .001), of having a history of nasal trauma were 1.33 times higher for high SDG scores (P = .014), and of having a history of nasal/septal surgery were 2.9 times higher for low SDG scores. Our SDG system addresses the challenge of providing objective anatomic information on the severity of nasal septal deformities, and may be valuable when used in conjunction with subjective data gathered from the NOSE questionnaire. 4 Laryngoscope, 129:586-593, 2019.

Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Score to Guide Mask Selection in CPAP-Treated Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Nasal obstruction is frequently reported by patients with sleep apnea and complicates the choice of a nasal or oronasal mask for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. However, the type of interface used for the delivery of CPAP is crucial to ensure tolerance and compliance. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to identify whether the validated Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score rated at CPAP initiation was associated with the type of mask used after 4 months of treatment. Patients completed the NOSE questionnaire before initiation with automatic CPAP. The mask used (nasal/oronasal) after 4 months was documented. In total, 198 consecutive patients with sleep apnea were included. NOSE score (>50/100) was independently associated with the use of an oronasal mask at 4 months (sensitivity, 34.8%; specificity, 87.5%). The NOSE questionnaire could be a simple decision-making tool to guide the choice of mask during CPAP initiation.

A prospective cohort study assessing the clinical utility of the Cottle maneuver in nasal septal surgery

BackgroundA nasal septal deviation can have a significant detrimental effect on a patient’s quality of life. Nasal valve collapse (NVC) often co-exists with a septal deviation. The Cottle maneuver is one of the most common methods to diagnose NVC; however, no study has assessed the efficacy of this physical exam finding. This study tests the hypothesis that patients with nasal obstruction due to a septal deviation with a negative pre-operative Cottle maneuver will demonstrate a greater improvement in their Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score, compared to patients who demonstrate a positive pre-operative Cottle maneuver, when assessed at 12 months following a septoplasty with turbinate diathermy.MethodsThis was a prospective Cohort Study. The population was 141 patients with nasal obstruction due to a septal deviation with or without nasal valve collapse, excluding patients with bilateral complete nasal valve collapse. Patients were placed in cohorts according to the results of the Cottle maneuver (positive or negative). A NOSE questionnaire was administered at baseline and 12-months after a septoplasty with turbinate diathermy. Non-adjusted NOSE scores were used (score out of 20). An ANOVA was used to compare if there was a difference in outcomes between patient cohorts.ResultsOne hundred and forty-one patients completed 12-month follow-up with 71.5% of patients demonstrating a positive Cottle maneuver at baseline. The mean (95% C.I.) difference in NOSE score at 12 months between patients with a positive Cottle versus a negative Cottle was 0.18 (− 1.6 to 1.92; p = 0.38).ConclusionIn a univariate, single surgeon study, a positive Cottle Maneuver does not appear to influence outcomes in the described patient population compared to those with a negative Cottle Maneuver when undergoing a septoplasty.