OUTCOME OF SEPTOPLASTY IN ADULT POPULATION: A STUDY FROM WESTERN NEPAL

Abstract

Introduction: Septoplasty is one of the commonest otorhinolaryngology related surgery performed worldwide to correct the deviated nasal septum. This surgery is performed to offer qualitative and quantitative advantage to patients with nasal obstruction who present with deviated nasal septum. Although more than 50% of population have deviated nasal septum, very few of them require definitive surgery for clearance of symptoms.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcome of septoplasty surgeries performed in terms of nasal obstruction, headache, postnasal drip, mouth breathing and difficulty in sleep.

Materials and methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study of patients who had undergone septoplasty surgery in a tertiary care center performed by the author over a period of three years from 1stJanuary 2015 to 31st December 2017.

Results: Age of patients in this study ranged from 18 to 48 years with the mean age of 21.61± 6.06 years. Maximum number of patients were within the age group of 21-30 years (63.6%). There was statistically significant improvement in terms of nasal obstruction, postnasal drip and mouth breathing with a p value of less than 0.001. Headache and difficulty in sleep were not improved statistically.

Conclusion: In patients with deviated nasal septum, septoplasty results in significant improvement in reduction of symptoms of nasal obstruction, postnasal drip and mouth breathing.

Keywords: Deviated Nasal Septum, Mouth breathing, Nasal obstruction, Postnasal drip, septoplasty