Endoscopic Septoplasty Versus Traditional Septoplasty for Treating Deviated Nasal Septum: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Importance: This is the first randomized study to compare the quality of life of patients undergoing endoscopic septoplasty compared to traditional trans-nasal trans-speculum (TNTS) septoplasty.

Objective: To assess the clinical outcomes and quality of life results of endoscopic versus TNTS septoplasty in patients with septal deviation and nasal obstruction.

Design: A prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing 2 approaches of septoplasty: endoscopic and TNTS septoplasty performed in a single institution during the years 2016 to2017. The follow-up time was 3 months.

Setting: A single institution study in a tertiary health-care referral center.

Participants: Patients who underwent primary surgery for repairing deviated nasal septum due to nasal obstruction, were older than 18 years old, and were eligible for study inclusion. Sixty-five patients were enrolled in this study, 34 in the endoscopic arm and 31 in the TNTS septoplasty arm. The overall follow-up rate was 94% at the first visit (2 weeks) and 92% at the last visit (12 weeks). Thus, the final cohort consisted of 60 patients, 30 in each study arm. The patients ranged in age from 18 to 71 years (mean 27 years) old.

Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome was the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) score. Secondary outcomes were the Short Form 36 (SF36) QOL score and complication rates. Both questionnaires were administered at 2 weeks and 3 months following surgery.

Results: Sixty patients completed this study, 30 in each study arm. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores were improved after 3 months, with no difference between the study arms. There were no cases of septal perforation or profound bleeding requiring repeated surgery.

Conclusions and relevance: Endoscopic septoplasty and TNTS show similar results for treatment of nasal septum deviation. Trial Registration: Traditional Septoplasty versus Endoscopic Septoplasty for Treating Deviated Nasal Septum, NCT02653950. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0005ZOR&selectaction=Edit&uid=U00021YC&ts=2&cx=-2w7hot.

Keywords: SMR; endoscopic; quality of life; septoplasty.