Comparison of Olfactory Function and Quality of Life With Different Surgical Techniques for Nasal Septum Deviation

To assess the nasal functions, nasal resistance, olfactory function, and quality of life in different surgical techniques for nasal septum deviation STUDY DESIGN:: Randomized controlled trial.

This prospective controlled study was carried out on patients who underwent septoplasty. Patients participating in the study were divided into 2 groups; group 1: classic septoplasty (n: 25) and group 2: extracorporeal septoplasty (n: 14). The sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22), peak nasal flowmetry, and Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test were applied to all patients before and 8 weeks after surgery. Surgical outcomes also assessed to evaluate complications 6 months after surgery.

In total, 39 (27 males, 12 females) patients diagnosed with nasal septum deviation were included in this study. A septoplasty was performed in all patients: 25 of them (18 males, 7 females; mean age = 29.4 [range, 23-50] years) underwent classic septoplasties and 14 (9 males, 5 females; mean age = 31.3 [range, 23-50] years) underwent extracorporeal septoplasties. Airway openness was achieved in all patients. As a result, the SNOT-22 scores, peak nasal inspiratory flowmeter results, and smell function scores showed significant improvements (P < 0.001).

All corrective surgical methods for a septum deviation have positive effects on nasal airflow, quality of life, and olfaction. The rates of complications were not significantly different between 2 treatment groups.