Endoscopic versus conventional septoplasty: objective/subjective data on 276 patients

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Nasal Airway Surgery

Background:

• Deviated nasal septum (DNS) significantly impacts quality of life.
• Conventional septoplasty is a common surgical intervention.
• Exploring minimally invasive alternatives is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the objective and subjective outcomes of endoscopic septoplasty versus traditional septoplasty.
• To evaluate complication rates and patient-reported symptom relief.
• To analyze rhinomanometric data post-surgery for both approaches.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 276 patients with DNS.
• Comparison between 147 patients undergoing traditional septoplasty and 129 undergoing endoscopic septoplasty.
• Data collection included objective complications, rhinomanometry, and NOSE questionnaires at 3 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Both endoscopic and traditional septoplasty effectively reduce nasal obstruction and discharge.
• Endoscopic septoplasty demonstrated significantly lower rates of pain, synechiae, bleeding, septal tears, and incomplete correction.
• Rhinomanometry showed improvement in both groups, with no statistical difference; subjective symptom relief was comparable.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic septoplasty is an effective treatment for DNS, associated with fewer complications than the traditional approach.
• The endoscopic technique offers enhanced visualization, reduced mucosal damage, and more precise dissection.
• Endoscopic septoplasty serves as an effective educational tool for surgical trainees.