Postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scores Research Articles

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<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.

Improvement in Nasal Obstruction and Quality of Life after Nasal Septoplasty with Turbinoplasty: A Pre- and Post-study.

Introduction Septoplasty and turbinoplasty are common surgical interventions used to relieve nasal obstructive symptoms. Since it is difficult to measure the degree of nasal blockage, current literature wonders about the frequent performance of these procedures. Objective To evaluate the perceived change in the nasal obstruction and the quality of life (QoL) of patients that underwent a septoplasty along with a turbinoplasty by applying subjective scales, to describe the correlation between those scales, and to study the impact of clinical factors in the postoperative outcomes. Methods Prospective observational study. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) were assessed. The paired sample Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the difference between the pre- and postoperative surveys. The correlation coefficient between the subjective scales was calculated. A quantile regression was performed to evaluate the effect of surgery on the results adjusted for clinical and demographic variables. Results A total of 115 patients were interviewed. Postoperative NOSE scores were 45 points lower (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 53.53-- 35.46; p < 0.001) in comparison with the NOSE preoperative scores. Obesity was the only statistically significant factor associated with worse outcomes. Additionally, we found a high correlation between the NOSE and VAS scores and a negative correlation between the GBI and postoperative VAS scores. Conclusion Nasal septoplasty, when paired with a turbinoplasty, decreases nasal obstruction and improves QoL. Obesity was associated with worse results. There was a strong correlation between the NOSE and the VAS results and between the GBI and postoperative VAS results.

Auricular Composite Graft Survival in Rhinoplasty.

Auricular composite grafts can be used in rhinoplasty to correct defects of the internal nasal valve, ala, vestibule, sill, and external nose. The objective of this study was to measure the auricular composite graft (ACG) survival rate and patient-reported outcome with Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score among patients undergoing rhinoplasty. A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent rhinoplasty with ACGs from 2002 to 2019 by the senior author. Median patient age was 42 years (range 14-79) with 80.3% being female. In total, 234 rhinoplasty procedures were performed utilizing 367 auricular composite grafts. Secondary rhinoplasty (n = 160, 68.4%) was the most common. And 93.7% of ACGs had full take. There were 23 partial or total graft failures, producing graft failure rate of 6.3%. Mean preoperative NOSE score was 24.08, and mean postoperative NOSE score was 21.84, with a p-value of 0.63. Auricular composite grafts can be used to repair a wide range of defects of the internal nasal valve, nasal sill-ala junction, nasal vestibule, and external nose.

Effect of Functional Septorhinoplasty with Concha Bullosa Resection on Sinonasal Symptoms.

To evaluate the impact of functional septorhinoplasty (SRP) with and without concha bullosa resection (CBR) on sinonasal symptoms and nasal obstruction severity using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) scale. Consecutive adult participants who underwent SRP were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (SRPwCB) underwent SRP with CBR (bulbous or extensive type MTs), and Group 2 (SRPO) underwent SRP only (normal or lamellar-type MTs). The NOSE and SNOT-22 scales were assessed preoperatively and at the 3-month follow-up evaluation. Patient demographics, self-reported outcomes, nasoseptal angle (NSA), and Lund-Mackay scores (LMS) were analyzed. There were 119 participants (SRPwCB n= 57; SPRO n= 62). There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, allergy, smoking, LMS, and NSA according to the presence of MTCB. Compared to SRPO, SRPwCB patients had significantly higher preoperative NOSE and SNOT-22 scores, whereas their postoperative NOSE and SNOT-22 scores were similar. SRPwCB patients also had significantly more postnasal discharge, ear fullness, facial pain/pressure, poor sleep, night waking, daytime fatigue, sense of taste/smell, and blockage symptoms before surgery compared with SRPO patients. SRPwCB patients had higher nasal obstruction and sinonasal symptom scores and greater improvement after surgery than SRPO patients. Therefore, evaluating the middle turbinate before functional SRP may be an important for surgical treatment of sinonasal symptoms. 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1375-1381, 2023.

The Effect of Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery, Body Appreciation, and Nasal Obstruction on Patient Satisfaction After Rhinoplasty.

Background: It is difficult to predict functional and aesthetic results and provide patient satisfaction after rhinoplasty. Objective: To investigate the effect of nasal obstruction, body appreciation, and acceptance of cosmetic surgery (ACS) in predicting patient satisfaction postrhinoplasty. Methods: We prospectively included 97 consecutive participants who underwent rhinoplasty. We recorded age, gender, marital status, education, and body mass index (BMI), and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale, body appreciation scale-2 (BAS-2), acceptance of cosmetic surgery scale (ACSS), and rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) scale were determined preoperatively and at the 3-month postoperative follow-up. Results: The preoperative and postoperative NOSE, BAS-2, ACSS, and ROE scores differed significantly. The mean ROE score improved from 36.8 preoperatively to 82.1 postoperatively. The ROEpostop score was not correlated significantly with age, BMI, ACSSpreop, BAS-2postop, or ACCSpostop. The BAS-2preop scores were correlated significantly with ACCSpreop and ACSSpostop scores. The NOSEpreop and BAS-2preop scores were significant predictors of the ROEpostop scores in the regression analysis. Conclusion: Preoperative nasal obstruction and body appreciation, but not ACS, are factors that might affect patient satisfaction after rhinoplasty.

The Impact of Component Dorsal Hump Reduction on Patient-Perceived Nasal Aesthetics and Obstruction in Rhinoplasty.

This study aimed to evaluate functional and aesthetic patient-reported outcomes using validated metrics after component dorsal hump reduction (DHR) with spreader graft placement, which have not been previously reported. Prospective cohort study. This prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care medical center. Participants underwent septorhinoplasty (SRP) with spreader graft placement with cosmetic, component DHR (cosmetic DHR), or SRP with spreader graft placement without dorsal hump reduction (noncosmetic, non-DHR). The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and the FACE-Q Satisfaction with Nose, Nostrils, and Social Functioning scales were administered to patients preoperatively and postoperatively (at 2, 4, 6, and/or 12months). Pre- and postoperative NOSE and FACE-Q scores were compared. A total of 226 patients underwent SRP with spreader graft placement; 113 (50.0%) with cosmetic DHR and 113 (50.0%) noncosmetic, non-DHR (control). Patients who completed the NOSE and FACE-Q surveys preoperatively and at least at one postoperative time point were included. Both cohorts had a statistically and clinically significant improvement in NOSE and FACE-Q scores. There were similar improvements in NOSE scores in both cohorts. Postoperative FACE-Q scores were higher in the cosmetic DHR cohort despite lower preoperative FACE-Q scores when compared to the control cohort. Although there are multiple techniques for DHR, component DHR with spreader graft placement has long been considered the standard. Therefore, it is important to note the significant postoperative cosmetic and functional improvements reported by patients who have undergone this procedure to compare to newer techniques as they evolve. 3 Laryngoscope, 132:2157-2161, 2022.

Benefits of Turbinectomy vs Turbinoplasty – A Prospective Study

Introduction Inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) is one of the major causes of nasal airway obstruction. Nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy is noted in around 20% of the population. Surgical reduction of the hypertrophied inferior turbinate is required when medical treatment fails. This study aimed to compare the Nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scores and complications of inferior turbinate reduction by turbinectomy and turbinoplasty. Materials and Methods In this prospective observational randomized controlled study, 30 patients underwent turbinectomy and 30 underwent turbinoplasty. Pre and postoperative NOSE scores and incidence of postoperative bleeding and crusting were compared at first week and six months. Results The mean preoperative NOSE score of turbinectomy group was 75.83 and that of turbinoplasty group was 76.83. Both the groups showed statistically significant improvement (p&lt; 0.05) in NOSE score post-operatively. Functional outcome is achieved with turbinoplasty by sparing the nasal mucosa and submucosa along with retention of function bearing structures (inferior turbinate). Though not statistically significant, the incidence of post-operative bleeding and crusting were lower after turbinoplasty, in comparison to turbinectomy. Conclusion Inferior turbinoplasty provides excellent outcome in a wide variety of patients with minimal morbidity. Turbinoplasty is associated with lesser mucosal injury, post-operative bleeding and crusting, and excellent outcome in terms of symptomatic relief and functionality. Hence, we recommend that it can be done for the treatment of ITH.

Evaluation of the use of Different Spreader Techniques in Primary Open Septorinoplasty in Terms of Nasal and Olfactory Functions.

In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the use of spreader and determine the efficacy and superiority of different spreader techniques in septorhinoplasty in terms of nasal and olfactory functions. A total of 60 patients who had undergone septorhinoplasty with the open technique were included in the study. In addition to open septorhinoplasty, 20 patients also underwent bilateral spreader graft placement and 20 bilateral spreader flap placement. For the remaining 20 patients, open septorhinoplasty was performed without spreader grafts or flaps. The patients completed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale consisting of five questions, and the Brief Smell Identification Test was used to detect olfactory dysfunction. The preoperative mean NOSE score of all patients was 10.87 (1-18), while the postoperative mean value was 1.83 (0-10). The preoperative mean olfactory score was 6.23 ± 2.20 in all patients while it was 7.33 ± 1.75 postoperatively. There was a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative NOSE and olfactory scores in all patients, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the three groups. Spreader graft or flap techniques used in septorhinoplasty are safe in terms of nasal obstruction and olfactory function, and there is no statistically significant difference between them.

Does inferior turbinate outfracture provide additional benefit when combined with inferior turbinate radiofrequency ablation?

To evaluate, both subjectively and objectively, whether turbinate outfracture provides any additional benefit in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy when combined with radiofrequency ablation. The study was conducted on 58 patients diagnosed with inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the treatment they receive. Group A consisted of patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation and Group B included patients undergoing turbinate outfracture in combination with radiofrequency ablation. For the purposes of objective evaluation, all patients underwent acoustic rhinometry and anterior rhinomanometry preoperatively and at 6months postoperatively. In addition, for subjective evaluation, the patients completed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire. Postoperative changes in objective and subjective parameters in both groups versus the preoperative period and their differences were compared statistically. In Group A, mean postoperative minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) and nasal volume (NV) values and NOSE scores were significantly greater compared to those obtained in the preoperative period. Similarly, Group B showed significantly greater mean postoperative MCA, NV and NOSE score values compared to the preoperative period. In Group A and B, mean postoperative total nasal resistance (TNR) value was significantly lower in comparison to the preoperative period. The differences in mean preoperative and postoperative MCA, NV, TNR and NOSE scores were significantly greater in Group B versus Group A. The addition of turbinate outfracture to inferior turbinate radiofrequency ablation treatment provides both objective and subjective benefits in the resolution of nasal obstruction.

Nasal airway function after Le Fort I osteotomy with maxillary impaction: A prospective study using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale.

BackgroundThis study evaluated changes in nasal airway function following Le Fort I osteotomy with maxillary impaction according to the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale.MethodsThis cohort study included 13 patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy with maxillary impaction. Nasal airway function was evaluated based on the NOSE scale preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. The change in the NOSE score was calculated as the preoperative score minus the postoperative score. If the normality assumptions for changes in the NOSE score were not met, a nonparametric test (the Wilcoxon signed-rank test) was used. Differences in NOSE score changes according to patient characteristics and surgical factors were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney test.ResultsPatients ranged in age from 18 to 29 years (mean±standard deviation [SD], 23.00±3.87 years). Three were men and 10 were women. Eleven patients (84%) had an acquired dentofacial deformity with skeletal class III malocclusion. The preoperative NOSE scores ranged from 40 to 90 (mean±SD, 68.92±16.68), and the postoperative NOSE scores ranged from 25 to 80 (53.84±18.83). The cohort as a whole showed significant improvement in nasal airway function following maxillary impaction (P=0.028). Eleven patients (84%) had either improved (n=8) or unchanged (n=3) postoperative NOSE scores. However, nasal airway function deteriorated in two patients. Patient characteristics and surgical factors were not correlated with preoperative or postoperative NOSE scores.ConclusionsNasal airway function as evaluated using the NOSE scale improved after maxillary impaction.

How I Do It: Inferior Turbinectomy: Modified Techniques for Submucosal Resection.

Although inferior turbinectomy with submucosal resection effectively reduces the volume of the inferior turbinate, there is room for improvement in surgical procedures. Techniques have been developed to reduce crusting and bleeding while efficiently achieving volume reduction. State-of-the-art procedures pertaining to the local injection site, incision line, exposure of the periosteum, submucosal outfracture of the turbinate bone, trimming of redundant mucosa, and incision line suturing are described. Pre and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores and postoperative inferior turbinate bleeding and crusting were evaluated. For the 18 consecutive patients analyzed, the pre and postoperative NOSE scores were 67.8 ± 14.8 and 16.1 ± 13.0, respectively (P = .0002). Postoperatively, bleeding was absent, and only minor suture thread crusting was observed in 13 patients. In conclusion, our novel technique improves the effectiveness of surgery as well as the postoperative quality of the inferior turbinate.

Comparison of Endonasal and External Septoplasty for Treatment of Buckled Caudal Septal Deviation

To compare endonasal and external septoplasty for type 2 caudal septal deviations in terms of operative time, aesthetic and functional outcome. Descriptive Analysis. ENT Department, Mayo Hospital/ K.E.M.U, Lahore, from October 2019 to October 2020. Record of patients operated for septal deviations in 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients, diagnosed with type 2 caudal septal deviations, were included; while those with marked inferior turbinate hypertrophy, deviated nasal septum after trauma, and those who could not be followed-up, were excluded. Twenty-eight patients, operated by external approach, were placed in group A; and 32 patients, who had endonasal surgery, were placed in group B. Functional outcome was assessed by nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale; and cosmetic deformity was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) pre- and postoperatively at six months. Operative time was measured for both the groups. Sixty patients were included. Mean preoperative NOSE scale score for group A was 67.36 ± 8.07 and postoperative was 15.82 ± 3.62 (p<0.001). Mean preoperative NOSE score for group B was 69.40 ± 5.80 and postoperative it was 18.00 ± 3.75 (p<0.001). Mean VAS score for group A preoperative and postoperative was 18.93 ± 7.86 and 76.07 ± 6.85 (p<0.001), respectively. Mean VAS score for group B preoperative and postoperative was 19.69 ± 7.82 and 71.56 ± 8.84, respectively (p<0.001). Mean operative time for group B was 52.25 ± 3.37 minutes, and for group A 115.00 ± 9.91 minutes (p<0.001). The difference in preoperative and postoperative NOSE and VAS scores compared for both groups revealed p-value of 0.952 and 0.044, respectively. Extracorporeal septoplasty resulted in better aesthetic outcome; though endonasal septoplasty had shorter operative time. Both surgical techniques resulted in good functional outcome. Key Words: Nasal septum, Nasal surgical procedures, Deviated nasal septum, Caudal deviation septum, Septoplasty, Septorhinoplasty, Nasal obstruction symptoms evaluation (NOSE) score, Visual analogue scale (VAS).

The Effectiveness of Skeletal Reconstruction in Severe Post-Rhinoplasty Nasal Deformity.

Revision rhinoplasty in patients with multiple prior surgeries is among the most challenging procedures in facial plastic surgery. Evaluating patient satisfaction in this unique patient population is important in determining which technique is effective. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of total nasal skeletal reconstruction in patients with severe post-rhinoplasty deformity due to multiple previous revision surgeries. A retrospective medical record analysis of ambulatory surgery and hospital databases was performed relating to rhinoplasty patients between April 2014 and December 2018. Patient demographics, surgical technique, and functional and aesthetic outcome assessment data were retrieved. Patients' functional satisfaction was measured with the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) instrument, and the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) instrument was used to evaluate cosmetic results. A total of 253 revision rhinoplasties were extracted. Of these, 25 patients were revision cases with total skeletal reconstruction. The patients had undergone a mean of 3.2 previous rhinoplasties. Mean [standard deviation] preoperative ROE and NOSE scores were 6.36 [3.69] and 80.33 [12.02], respectively. Septum, tip, dorsum, and side walls were reconstructed in all cases. The mean postoperative ROE and NOSE scores after 1 year were 17.27 [4.67] and 53.33 [19.80], respectively, which represented a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001). Having the knowledge and experience to perform total nasal skeletal reconstruction by rebuilding an unsalvageable nose leads to long-standing satisfactory functional and aesthetic results.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of free diced cartilage in dorsal and tip nasal rhinoplasty

BackgroundRhinoplasty is considered one of the most challenging operations in the plastic surgery. Esthetic or functional reshaping purposes of the nose can be stressing for both surgeon and patient. Different types of graft materials have been used to perform augmentation rhinoplasty. Free diced cartilage (FDC) was recently established in dorsal nasal rhinoplasty for better handling of irregularities as well as contour deficits of dorsal nasal outcomes. The main purpose of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of the use of FDC in dorsal nasal and nasal tip rhinoplasty and evaluation of its advantages and disadvantages using the validated Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire to assess nasal obstruction and patient satisfaction.ResultsThis prospective study was conducted between March 2018 and December 2019, 20 patients were included and planned for rhinoplasty using FDC to camouflage dorsal and nasal tip deformities. All patients (11males and 9 females) underwent open rhinoplasty through inverted v columellar incision, taken FDC from nasal septum. A statistical significant difference between pre- and post-operative NOSE scores was found (P < 0.001). Post-operative rhinoplasty outcome evaluation scores ranged from 45 to 100 with mean ± SD (83.15 ± 13.22). Excellent satisfaction was the most noted in 17 patients (85%), while 2 patients (10%) reported good satisfaction and 1 patient (5%) with acceptable satisfaction.ConclusionIt was found that the FDC technique is an effective method for camouflage and augmentation of nasal dorsum as well as nasal tip in reconstructive and esthetic rhinosurgery for either primary or secondary rhinoplasty.

Traction Suture Technique for Correction of Caudal Septal Deviation.

Correcting the caudal septum deviation is one of the most difficult parts of the septoplasty. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency and usefulness of traction suture method in caudal septum deviations. Medical records of 35 patients who underwent endonasal septoplasty using traction suture method for caudal septum deviation in August 2017-February 2019 period were studied retrospectively. Preoperative nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scores of the patients were compared with postoperative sixth month NOSE scores. Besides, preoperative nasal examination findings of the patients were compared with the ones in postoperative period. Average age of the 35 patients (9 women and 26 men) in the study was 26.3 ± 10.1 years. Postoperative observations revealed that a straight septum was achieved in 31 patients (91.1%). Average pre- and postoperative NOSE scores were 85.1 ± 20.4 and 22.4 ± 4.2, respectively (P < 0.0001). Nasal obstruction was "much improved" in 19 patients (54.2%) and "improved" in 12 (37.1%), while 4 patients (8.6%) reported "no change." None of the patients developed postoperative complications. Traction suture method is a safe, efficient, and useful option to be used by surgeons for caudal septum deviation.

Patient-Perceived Nasal Appearance After Septorhinoplasty With Spreader Versus Extended Spreader Graft.

Standard spreader grafts (SSGs) are commonly used in septorhinoplasty to treat internal nasal valve narrowing and have been shown to improve nasal airway obstruction. Extended spreader grafts (ESGs) have also been proven effective for correcting nasal deviation. To date, the effectiveness of ESGs using patient-reported outcome measures has not been demonstrated, and results of ESGs have not been compared to SSGs. This study aims to assess satisfaction and nasal appearance in patients who have undergone septorhinoplasty with SSG versus ESG. Prospective cohort study. Five hundred sixty-eight patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with SSGs and 126 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with ESGs between 2012 and 2018 were administered the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and FACE-Q Satisfaction With Nose, FACE-Q Satisfaction With Nostrils, and FACE-Q Social Functioning scales pre- and postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative NOSE and FACE-Q scores, negative inspiratory force (NIF), and changes in these values were compared between groups. Results demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement at follow-up for both groups. There was no significant difference between the SSG and ESG groups in mean improvement of NOSE scores, FACE-Q scores, and NIF at follow-up of 6 months and at 12 months. This study demonstrates that SSGs and ESGs both provide clinically and statistically significant improvement, and no significant difference in functional outcome. Both techniques can be effective. The etiology of the nasal obstruction and/or deformity should be considered when deciding which type of spreader graft to use. 3 Laryngoscope, 131:765-772, 2021.

Spreader Graft for Severe Deviation of Nasal Septum with Obstruction of the Internal Nasal Valve: Clinical and Functional Results.

Difficulty in nasal ventilation is one of the most frequently occurring problems in otorhinolaryngology and its correct diagnosis is the key step to solve it. The dysfunctions in the valve area are a frequent cause of chronic nasal obstruction, though commonly ignored. The objective of the study is to analyze the clinical and functional outcomes in a group of patients with septal deviations and valve compromise treated with spreader graft with endonasal approach. Thirty-five patients with septal deviation with compromise of the internal nasal valve (INV; area II of Cottle), treated with spreader graft and a minimum follow-up of 12 months, were included for analysis. Patients were evaluated with video nasosinusal endoscopy, photography, the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire, and rhinomanometry (RM). Postoperative complications were recorded. The results obtained in the pre- and postoperative NOSE scores showed significant differences (p = 0.001), as also in pre- and postoperative RM tests (p < 0.001). Two complications were reported in the 35 patients; thus the complication rate in our sample was 6%. The use of spreader grafts, with endonasal approach, as nasal septum's tutors improved perpendicular septal deviations with compromise of the INV (area II), reaching an effective functional improvement in the nasal airway, with low rate of complications.

Effect of Nasal Steroids on Nasal Obstruction in Septal Deviation: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study sought to prospectively determine the effect of intranasal steroids versus placebo on nasal obstruction in septal deviation. Methods: This was a single-center randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial with crossover in which all study participants received 6 weeks of therapy with Nasacort (Chattem, Inc.) and with Ayr saline spray (B.F. Ascher). Participants were randomized to one of two groups with a 2-week washout period between drugs. Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores were collected at baseline and after each study drug. A subset of patients subsequently underwent surgical intervention after both drugs and additional NOSE scores were collected postoperatively. Results: Forty-two patients completed both study drugs with NOSE scores collected. Thirty-two patients underwent surgery and postoperative NOSE scores were collected. There was no significant difference in baseline demographics between the groups. There was no significant difference in mean NOSE scores in either group from baseline to the completion of the first and second study drugs. There was no difference in the change in mean NOSE score from baseline to postsaline (-3.9) versus baseline to poststeroid (-5.8, p = 0.60). Surgery resulted in a significant change in NOSE score at all postoperative time points (mean of -50, range of -47.2 to -53.6). Conclusions: We found no significant effect of intranasal steroids on nasal obstruction as compared with placebo. Surgery, however, was associated with significant sustained improvement in nasal obstruction. These data suggest that in patients with nasal obstruction due to a fixed cause, medical therapy with intranasal steroids is unlikely to be beneficial.

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.

Assessment of Septoplasty Outcome using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale

Nasal obstruction, the most common presenting symptom in nasal and sinus disease, is defined as patient discomfort manifested as a sensation of insufficient airflow through the nose. Nasal septal deviation is the most common anatomical cause of nasal obstruction. Surgical correction of a deviated septum, nasal septoplasty, is the definitive treatment for septal deviation. Many studies have discussed about outcomes of septoplasty. However, there is limited published literature on nasal septoplasty and its outcome in Nepal. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of septoplasty using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, a validated outcome instrument assessing quality of life (QoL) related to nasal obstruction. A total of 52 patients aged 18 years and above, with nasal obstruction at least for 3 months, undergoing septoplasty alone were included in the study. Baseline NOSE score was calculated a week before surgery. The patients were followed up after 3 months to record postoperative NOSE score. On statistical analysis, the mean NOSE scores before and 3 months after septoplasty were 45.58±21.38 and 8.46±8.37 respectively. The mean difference was 37.11± 21.22 and p value on paired t test was less than 0.001(highly significant). The mean differences of each component of the NOSE scale questionnaire were also found to be highly significant statistically with p values less than 0.001. Gender and age did not seem to affect the outcomes. In conclusion, NOSE scale is a valid, reliable and responsive instrument that is brief and easy to complete and has potential use for outcome studies in adults with nasal obstruction. This instrument showed that septoplasty, if done in properly selected patients, results in significant improvement in nasal obstruction and disease specific quality of life with high patient satisfaction.