The NOSE scale is a questionnaire assessing QOL related with nasal obstruction. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt the NOSE scale into Italian (I-NOSE). Prospective instrument validation study. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation were accomplished. Cronbach α was used to test internal consistency in 116 patients complaining nasal obstruction and 232 asymptomatic subjects. Pearson and ICC tests were used for test-retest reliability analysis. Normative data were gathered from the 232 asymptomatic subjects. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the I-NOSE scores in patients and asymptomatic subjects and in 40 patients before and after septoplasty. I-NOSE scores obtained in 60 patients were correlated with rhinomanometric results and with the score of a visual analog scale (VAS) measuring the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction. Good internal consistency and good test-retest reliability were found. I-NOSE mean score of the normal cohort was 12.1 ± 13.2. Asymptomatic subjects scored lower than patients with nasal obstruction (p = 0.001). Positive correlations between I-NOSE scores and VAS and rhinomanometric results were found. The mean I-NOSE score improved from 64.4 ± 23.6 to 22.1 ± 13.5 after septoplasty (p < 0.001). The I-NOSE scale is a reliable, valid, self-administered, symptom-specific questionnaire; its application is recommended.

This angle classification is based on the theoretical risk of iatrogenic injuries, but it could be helpful also in clinical practice by providing indirect information on the thickness of the anterior skull base. As the angle decreases, in fact, the portion of the anterior skull base composed by the LLCP, increases.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Italian SNOT-22 (I-SNOT-22). The study consisted of five phases: item generation, reliability analysis, normative data generation, validity analysis and responsiveness analysis. The item generation phase followed the five-step, cross-cultural, adaptation process of translation and back-translation. A group of 222 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) were enrolled for the internal consistency analysis. Sixty patients completed the I-SNOT-22 twice, 2 weeks apart, for test-retest reliability analysis. A group of 119 asymptomatic subjects completed the I-SNOT-22 for normative data generation. I-SNOT-22 scores obtained by CRS patients and asymptomatic subjects were compared for validity analysis. I-SNOT-22 scores were correlated with Lund-Mackay and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in 50 CRS patients for criterion validity analysis. Finally, I-SNOT-22 scores obtained in a group of 59 CRS patients before and after surgical treatment for CRS were compared for responsiveness analysis. All the enrolled subjects managed to complete the I-SNOT-22 without needing any assistance. Internal consistency was satisfactory (α = 0.86). Test-retest reliability was also satisfactory (ICC = 0.85). A significant difference in the I-SNOT-22 scores between the CRS patients and the asymptomatic subjects was found (p < 0.008). Positive significant correlations were found between I-SNOT-22 and VAS scores, while no significant correlations were found between I-SNOT-22 scores and Lund-Mackay scores. I-SNOT-22 scores obtained in the pre-treatment condition were significantly higher than those obtained after surgery. I-SNOT-22 is reliable, valid, responsive to changes in QOL, and recommended for clinical practice and outcome research.

The patients' mean age was 58.7 years; the mean hospital stay was 2.97 days. In 42 cases (87.5%), cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery was performed, and 6 (12.5%) were subjected to anterior ethmoid artery treatment. Epistaxis control was achieved in 93% of cases; 3 patients had a recurrent nasal bleeding, and were treated with anterior nasal packing. Minor complications occurred in 27.1%. We achieved a shorter hospital stay compared with patients who underwent anteroposterior packing.