Objective and Subjective Analysis for Efficaciousness of Nasal Airway in Patients Undergoing Conventional and Endoscopic Septoplasty: A Comparative Study

Deviated nasal septum is the most common cause of nasal obstruction and is one of the common problems encountered by otolaryngologists. Although there are different methods to surgically correct a deviated nasal septum which can give qualitative relief to the patient, less emphasis is put on the quantitative assessment of airway after a septal correction surgery. Institution based Case Control study was undertaken at Medical College and Hospital Kolkata between January 2019 to March 2020 to subjectively and objectively assess and compare the nasal airway status preoperatively and postoperatively in patients undergoing conventional and endoscopic septoplasty. A total of 250 patients were taken in this study and divided into two groups A and B. Group A consisted of patients undergoing Conventional Septoplasty (Control arm) and Group B consisted of patients undergoing Endoscopic Septoplasty (Case arm). Patients were followed up and the readings of NOSE score and PNIF value were recorded at the end of 6 weeks and 6 months (24 weeks). The Mean NOSE score post operatively at the end of 6 weeks was 36.32 in GROUP A (Control arm) and 33.08 in GROUP B (Case arm). t-Test revealed insignificant results with a p-value of 0.08. The mean NOSE score post operatively at the end of 6 months was 29.96 in GROUP A (Control arm) and 22.16 in GROUP B (Case arm). t-Test revealed significant results with a p-value of 0.00. Similarly, Mean PNIF value post operatively at the end of 6 weeks was 57.24 in GROUP A (Control arm) and 73.88 in GROUP B (Case arm). t-Test revealed significant results with p-value of 0.00. The mean PNIF value post-operatively at the end of 6 months was 59.44 in GROUP A (Control arm) and 80.08 in GROUP B (Case arm). t-Test revealed significant results with p-value of 0.00. Endoscopic Septoplasty is a very effective way to treat septal deviations especially with deviations based on the posterior aspect of the septum. It provides a superior edge in terms of nasal airway improvement as compared to conventional method of septoplasty.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03120-2.

A prospective, non-randomized evaluation of a novel low energy radiofrequency treatment for nasal obstruction and snoring

Background

Weak or inward-bent cartilage of the nasal sidewall at the level of the internal nasal valve (INV) can produce narrowness or collapse of the nasal valve. This is a common cause of impaired nasal breathing during daily activities and there is also an established connection between nasal obstruction and snoring. The condition is often difficult to treat, although even a small enlargement of the lumen at the nasal valve can lead to a significant improvement in the ease of nasal breathing.

Methods

The primary objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Vivaer system for the treatment of narrowed nasal valves and to measure changes in the symptoms of nasal obstruction and snoring. The Vivaer system uses low energy radiofrequency to remodel the nasal sidewall in order to improve airflow.

Results

The study involved 31 patients presenting from 1st September 2017 to 1st May 2018 with symptoms of nasal obstruction and snoring. In all patients, an improvement was observed in nasal breathing measured by NOSE score, sleep quality by SOS questionnaire and quality of life as measured by EQ-5D and SNOT-22.

Conclusion

Vivaer intranasal remodeling can provide a durable and well-tolerated non-invasive treatment for those patients who are suffering congestion due to narrowness or collapse of the INV.