Analysis of outcomes after functional rhinoplasty using a disease-specific quality-of-life instrument.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the efficacy of functional rhinoplasty techniques with a validated quality-of-life instrument.

DESIGN: Prospective observational outcomes study of patients with severe nasal obstruction owing to septal deviation, internal or external valve collapse, and turbinate hypertrophy who subsequently underwent functional rhinoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations were performed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation scale.

RESULTS: Forty-one patients completed preoperative and postoperative evaluations. No complications occurred. There was a significant improvement in mean Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation score postoperatively for the entire cohort (P<.01). Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation scores were also examined based on the procedure performed, such as spreader grafting, septoplasty, external valve suspension, and turbinectomy. Each subgroup also demonstrated airway improvement.

CONCLUSIONS: Functional rhinoplasty techniques are effective in improving nasal airway function as measured by a patient-based, disease-specific, quality-of-life instrument. The specific techniques considered to treat nasal obstruction can be tailored to address the areas of concern, including septal deviation, internal or external valve collapse, and turbinate hypertrophy.