Correlation between Obesity and Patient Tolerance to Office-Based Trans-Nasal Laryngeal Procedures

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Patient Outcomes Research

Background:

• Office-based laryngeal procedures (OBLP) are increasingly common.
• Patient tolerance and satisfaction are crucial metrics for OBLP success.
• The impact of obesity on patient tolerance to OBLP requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between obesity, assessed by multiple indices, and patient tolerance to transnasal OBLP.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction using the IOWA satisfaction with anesthesia scale.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing transnasal OBLP between February and September 2025.
• Categorization of OBLP into biopsy, laser therapy, and therapeutic injection.
• Collection of demographic data including Body Mass Index (BMI), neck, and waist circumference.
• Assessment of patient satisfaction via the IOWA scale post-procedure.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant difference in mean IOWA scores was observed across BMI subgroups (BMI < 25, 25-29, ≥30 kg/m²).
• A mild, significant negative association was found between neck circumference and IOWA satisfaction scores.
• In patients undergoing laser therapy, a mild but significant negative correlation existed between BMI and IOWA scores.

Conclusions:

• Patient satisfaction with transnasal OBLP varies significantly across different BMI categories.
• Obesity, particularly higher BMI and neck circumference, may negatively impact patient satisfaction.
• These findings can inform patient selection and pre-procedural counseling for OBLP.