Endoscopic septoplasty: retrospective analysis of 60 cases

To review retrospective data of 60 patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty over a period of two years.

The medical records of 60 patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty during the period December 2008 and November 2009 at the King Hussein Medical Center (Amman, Jordan) were reviewed for surgical indications, intraoperative technique, findings, and postoperative complications.

Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting symptom, being found in 55 (91.6%) patients. Out of 60 cases, thirty seven were performed in conjunction with endoscopic sinus surgery. In 23 cases, endoscopic septoplasty was performed alone as the primary procedure. Nasal endoscopic evaluation located nasal septum deviations in the following order; 29 of the deviations were broadly based deflections (48.3%), whereas 23 of the septal deformities were spurs (38.3%). In 8 (13.3%) patients more than 1 type of septal deformity was encountered. No major complications occurred in the immediate post-operative period. Minor complications, such as haemorrhage occurred in one (1.6%) patient and septal haematoma in one (1.6%) patient.

Endoscopic septoplasty is an effective technique that can be performed safely alone or in combination with endoscopic sinus surgery with minimal additional morbidity. It provides significant clinical and excellent teaching tool when used in conjunction with video monitors over traditional approaches.