Is septoplasty required whenever anterior septal deviation is present?

Post-operative success and patient satisfaction were assessed following septoplasty for mild to severe anterior septal deviation.

The study included patients with an anterior nasal septal deviation in the form of a 'C' shape and close to the nasal valve in the anterior septal area. Deviation severity was classified as severe (group 1), moderate (group 2) or mild (group 3). Open or closed septoplasty procedures were performed. All patients were surveyed twice using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.

The mean Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score for group 1 was 15.58 ± 2.34 prior to surgery and 6.61 ± 3.29 following surgery. The corresponding pre- and post-surgery scores in group 2 were 11.9 ± 2.82 and 6.3 ± 3.03, respectively. In group 3, these values were 8.28 ± 2.63 and 7.12 ± 3.18, respectively. The mean 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical function value for groups 1 and 2 increased after surgery; in group 3, this value decreased after surgery, but the result was not statistically significant.

Septoplasty is very successful for treating moderate or advanced deviations, but great care should be taken when employing septoplasty for mild deviations.