Disease-specific quality of life outcomes in functional rhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The goal of this study was to assess disease-specific quality of life as well as cosmetic outcomes following functional rhinoplasty in adults with nasal obstruction.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational outcomes study.

METHODS: Disease-specific quality of life determinations and cosmetic outcome assessments were performed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale (NOSE), the Sleep Outcomes Survey (SOS), and a cosmetic outcomes scale. Ratings were ascertained preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 to 3 and at 6 to 12 months for patients with internal nasal valve dysfunction, external nasal valve dysfunction, and both (groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively).

RESULTS: All groups showed a significant improvement in NOSE scores at the early and the late time points (P < .0005). SOS scores significantly improved from baseline to 1-3 months after surgery (P < .0005) and to 6-12 months (P < .0005). Snoring cessation was reported in 30% of patients who snored preoperatively. The cosmetic appearance of the nose significantly improved after surgery (P < .0005).

CONCLUSIONS: This study utilized standardized terminology to diagnosis and treat nasal valve dysfunction, and validated disease-specific quality of life measures to quantify the improvements made with specific techniques. In particular, this study showed improvement in nasal obstruction and snoring in patients with nasal valve dysfunction treated surgically, without negatively impacting nasal cosmesis. Studies utilizing consistent methods of assessment and analysis will allow for future meta-analysis, increasing the level of evidence available in the field of functional rhinoplasty, and facilitate the creation of evidence-based management algorithms.