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Trigeminal endonasal perception - an outcome predictor for septoplasty
S Bischoff1, S C Poletti2, S Kunz1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Rhinology
|June 6, 2020
Summary
Pre-operative trigeminal sensitivity testing can predict patient satisfaction after septoplasty surgery. Patients with low trigeminal sensitivity may require further counseling before undergoing the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Rhinology
- Surgical Outcome Prediction
Background:
- Predicting patient satisfaction after septoplasty remains challenging.
- Nasal breathing impairment can persist despite technically adequate surgery.
- Preoperative trigeminal sensitivity is explored as a potential predictive factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if preoperative trigeminal sensitivity can predict patient satisfaction following septoplasty.
- To correlate trigeminal sensitivity with subjective outcomes after nasal surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 30 patients undergoing septoplasty or septorhinoplasty with turbinoplasty.
- Preoperative and postoperative assessments included acoustic rhinometry, Sniffin’ Sticks 12 test, visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction, and trigeminal lateralization task.
- TRPV1 mRNA expression was analyzed from surgical biopsies.
Main Results:
- Preoperative trigeminal sensitivity, measured by the lateralization task, significantly correlated with subjective improvement in nasal obstruction (VAS change).
- A lateralization test score of ≥31.5 predicted >3 VAS point improvement with 88% sensitivity.
- Higher TRPV1 mRNA expression was associated with better postoperative VAS scores.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative trigeminal sensitivity assessment can enhance patient selection for septoplasty, potentially increasing satisfaction rates.
- Endonasal trigeminal sensitivity is directly linked to subjective outcomes post-septoplasty.
- Patients with diminished trigeminal sensitivity warrant thorough preoperative counseling.
