Quality of Life of Patients After Nasal Septoplasty.

Abstract

Background: Nasal obstruction was a common symptom encountered in otolaryngology, arising from various etiologies, including both mucosal and structural factors.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients after nasal septoplasty.

Methods: A prospective, longitudinal 6-month study was conducted on 52 patients who underwent septoplasty or rhinoplasty and were followed up at Hanoi Medical University Hospital from April 2023 to April 2024. The effectiveness of the surgery was assessed through clinical nasal symptoms, and the quality of life of patients was evaluated using the SF-36 Quality of Life Assessment Tool (Short Form-36).

Results: In the study group, 27 (51.9%) patients were female. The nasal obstruction scores significantly decreased from preoperative (2.67 ± 0.47) to 1 month (1.1 ± 0.75) and 6 months (0.65 ± 0.68) postoperative (p<0.05). The facial pain scores significantly decreased from preoperative (1.46 ± 1.11) to 1 month (1.1 ± 1.05) and 6 months (0.79 ± 0.89) postoperative (p<0.05). The rhinitis scores significantly decreased from preoperative (1.42 ± 1.11) to 1 month (1.02 ± 1) and 6 months (0.77 ± 0.9) postoperative (p<0.05). The average quality of life scores according to the 8 factors of the SF-36 Quality of Life Assessment Tool increased at 1 month and 6 months postoperative. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Nasal septoplasty significantly improves clinical symptoms and the quality of life of patients. The SF-36 is a reliable outcome measure for the success of nasal septal surgery.