Our Summary

This research paper studies the effectiveness of a common nose surgery called septoplasty, which is often performed to fix a deviated septum. The team analyzed whether or not this surgery, sometimes done with another procedure called turbinate surgery, improved symptoms of nasal blockage according to a specific questionnaire (the NOSE questionnaire).

The team looked at data from multiple online medical databases and focused on the change in NOSE score six months after surgery. Over 2500 patients, most of them male and around 33 years old, were included in this study.

The results showed that the average NOSE score, which was about 68 before the surgery, decreased by around 49 points six months after the surgery. This significant drop in score suggests that the surgery greatly improved the patients’ symptoms and quality of life, according to the NOSE questionnaire.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the septoplasty surgery?
  2. What is the NOSE questionnaire and how is it used in this study?
  3. What were the results of the research in terms of the effectiveness of septoplasty for improving symptoms of nasal blockage?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This may include activities to avoid, medications to take, and proper wound care. Additionally, it is important to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum which is causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, recurrent sinus infections, and snoring. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may warrant surgical intervention to correct the issue. Additionally, patients who have tried other non-surgical treatments such as nasal sprays, allergy medications, and nasal dilators without success may also be recommended for septoplasty.

Timeline

Before Septoplasty:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of nasal blockage such as difficulty breathing, snoring, frequent sinus infections, and headaches
  • Patient may undergo a physical examination and nasal endoscopy to diagnose a deviated septum
  • Patient discusses treatment options with an ENT specialist, including septoplasty
  • Patient schedules surgery date and prepares for the procedure

After Septoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery, which typically takes around 1-2 hours under general anesthesia
  • Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and congestion in the days following surgery
  • Patient follows post-operative instructions, including rest, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking prescribed medications
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Six months after surgery, patient completes the NOSE questionnaire to assess improvement in symptoms
  • Results show a significant decrease in NOSE score, indicating successful improvement in nasal blockage symptoms and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about septoplasty include:

  1. What is a deviated septum and how does it affect my breathing?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with septoplasty surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after septoplasty surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to take time off work or make any lifestyle changes during my recovery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could help improve my nasal blockage?
  6. How successful is septoplasty in improving symptoms of nasal blockage, according to research and clinical experience?
  7. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures, such as turbinate surgery, in conjunction with septoplasty?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  9. How should I prepare for the surgery, including any preoperative instructions or medications?
  10. What should I expect in terms of follow-up appointments and postoperative care after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Alessandri-Bonetti M, Costantino A, Cottone G, Carbonaro R, Cardone F, Amendola F, De Virgilio A, Robotti E, Persichetti P, Vaienti L. Journal: Laryngoscope. 2023 Dec;133(12):3237-3246. doi: 10.1002/lary.30684. Epub 2023 Apr 5. PMID: 37017244