[Evaluation of operation success in patients with nasal septal deviation with quality of life scale and objective methods].

OBJECTIVES: In this study we aimed to evaluate the quality of life during, before and after septoplasty in patients who were diagnosed with nasal septal deviation and also to demonstrate the role and importance of acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry methods in objectively demonstrating surgical success.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in 44 patients undergoing septoplasty surgery. Patients' preoperative complaints were evaluated by Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. The pre- and post-decongestion acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry data of the patients were recorded simultaneously. One month after Cottle's septoplasty performed as the septal surgery method, patients were re-evaluated by NOSE scale, acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry and the findings were compared with the preoperative data.

RESULTS: Compared to the patients' preoperative values, a significant decrease in NOSE scores (p<0.05); a significant increase in the minimal cross-sectional area (MCA1, MCA2) and volume values measured by acoustic rhinometry (p<0.05) and a significant decrease in the nasal resistance values measured by rhinomanometry (p<0.05) were observed. No significant relationship was found between the change in patients' pre- and postoperative NOSE score values and the change in their acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry data (p>005).

CONCLUSION: Nowadays, evidence-based medical practices are increasingly gaining importance and acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry are methods that can be used in objective evaluation of operation success.