Multifactorial assessment of septoplasty outcomes: from anatomical correction to improved quality of life

Abstract

A deviated nasal septum is one of the most common causes of impaired nasal breathing and reduced quality of life in patients. Septoplasty is among the most common surgical procedures in otorhinolaryngology and aims to restore nasal breathing. At the same time, clinical results of the operation are not always accompanied by a subjective improvement in a patient's well-being, which necessitates a comprehensive assessment of the intervention's efficacy. In recent years, patient-centered evaluation methods based on the use of standardized questionnaires have been gaining particular importance. This review presents literature data on the impact of septoplasty on quality of life during the medium- and long-term postoperative periods. It examines methods for the objective assessment of nasal breathing and their correlation with subjective measures, characterizes the role of the NOSE questionnaire in postoperative evaluation, analyzes the significance of inferior turbinate reduction, and discusses potential reasons for patient dissatisfaction with surgical outcomes despite objectively successful procedures.