Septoplasty outcome in patients with and without allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of allergic rhinitis (AR) on septoplasty outcome in terms of subjective and objective measurements and clarify whether patients with nasal septum deviation (NSD) and allergic rhinitis (AR) benefit from septoplasty to the same extent as patients who do not have allergic rhinitis.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study, with consecutive sampling of all patients undergoing septoplasty from June 2005 to February 2007, conducted in a tertiary care otorhinolaryngologic clinic.

METHODS: One hundred and seventy-six patients underwent septoplasty over the study period. Follow-up data were obtained from one hundred and forty-nine subjects. All participants underwent active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) and assessed the severity of their symptoms based on a Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale prior to and following septo- plasty. Patients were divided into two groups according to AR status. Comparisons were made between symptoms and rhinomanometry data.

RESULTS: Following septoplasty, subjective improvement in breathing (decreased NOSE scores) was observed for both groups, the decrease being significantly more substantial in the NSD group. Airflow, as measured during active anterior rhinomanometry, increased in the deviated side following septoplasty in both groups. In the NSD group the increase was significantly high- er than in the NSD and AR group.

CONCLUSION: The surgeon should proceed with caution when managing patients with allergic rhinitis and nasal septum deviation. These patients are more likely to be less satisfied after septoplasty compared to patients without allergy. Adequate medical management of allergic rhinitis should be the first priority for these cases.