Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare how two different approaches used during septoplasty to remove the severe basal crest deviation affect the postopreative patient satisfaction.

METHODS: Between January 2014 and October 2015, a total of 40 patients with severe basal crest deviation (25 males, 15 females; mean age 33±7 years; range 18 to 45 years) were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the operative approach. In group 1, the basal crest was repositioned, whereas it was removed in group 2. Participants were asked to complete Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) before and four weeks after the septoplasty in order to assess their nasal obstruction and postoperative satisfaction.

RESULTS: Both the NOSE and VAS scores were significantly decreased in group 1 and group 2 after the septoplasty (p<0.001 and p<0.001 for group 1; p<0.001 and p<0.001 for group 2). When the pre- and postoperative NOSE and VAS scores were compared, we did not find any significant difference between group 1 and group 2.

CONCLUSION: Septoplasty can be performed with a high patient satisfaction. Repositioning of the basal crest is an alternative approach instead of removing it during this surgical intervention.