Efficacy of Septoplasty in Patients with Nasal Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveSeptoplasty is the most frequently performed ENT surgery to correct nasal septal deviation (NSD). The present study aimed to quantify the effectiveness of septoplasty with or without turbinate surgery according to NOSE questionnaire scores, with the hypothesis that it is able to clinically improve patient‐reported nasal obstructive symptoms in the post‐operative follow‐up.MethodsAn electronic search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was the change in NOSE score at 6 months after surgery. It was assessed with the mean difference (MD) between baseline and postoperative results.ResultsA total of 2577 patients (males: 65.1%, 95% CI: 59.9–70.2) with a mean age of 33.3 years (n = 1456, 95% CI: 30.4–36.2) were included in this meta‐analysis. The pooled baseline NOSE mean score was 68.1 (n = 2577, 95% CI: 64.3–71.9). The pooled MD in NOSE score at 6‐months follow‐up compared to baseline was −48.8 (n = 1730, 95% CI: −54.6 to −42.9).ConclusionsFunctional septoplasty with or without turbinate surgery shows a critical improvement of obstructive symptoms and quality of life according to the validated NOSE score.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 2023

Long‐Term Outcomes of Septoplasty With or Without Turbinoplasty: A Systematic Review

“…Many studies have shown that septoplasty with or without turbinoplasty is effective in improving symptoms of nasal obstruction, especially when compared to nonsurgical medical treatment. [8][9][10][11] However, most of these studies and nearly all current reviews focus primarily on short-term (<12 months) outcomes. Whether or not these high septoplasty success rates persist years after surgery remains unanswered, as some long-term studies suggest that patient symptoms may worsen again over time.…”

“…Many studies have shown that septoplasty with or without turbinoplasty is effective in improving symptoms of nasal obstruction, especially when compared to nonsurgical medical treatment 8–11 . However, most of these studies and nearly all current reviews focus primarily on short‐term (<12 months) outcomes.…”