Clinical Practice and Outcome of Septoplasty—A Retrospective Study of 11,714 Surgeries in Sweden 2014–2023

Abstract

Objectives

Although septoplasty is frequently performed in patients with nasal obstruction, studies on clinical practice and real-life outcomes are sparse. This study aimed to describe the clinical practice, characteristics of septoplasty patients, patient-reported outcomes and complications, as well as predictors for a successful outcome in a comprehensive national longitudinal database.

Methods

All patients, > 18 years of age, registered in the Swedish Quality Register for Septoplasty (SQRS) between 2014 and 2023 were included in the study (n = 11,714). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to search for predictors of a successful outcome (i.e., no or mild self-reported nasal obstruction).

Results

Clinical practice was influenced by the surgical unit. A successful outcome was reported in 59.9% of the patients. Predictors for a successful outcome were higher age, more recent surgery, unilateral subjective nasal obstruction, no nighttime nasal obstruction, and no smoking. Almost one in four patients reported a chronic complication from surgery after 12 months.

Conclusion

There is an unwarranted diversity in Swedish septoplasty practice, which illustrates a lack of knowledge of best practices. The patient-reported outcome, where only six of 10 patients had no or mild nasal obstruction at follow-up, indicates room for improvement.

Level of Evidence

4