Does nasal septal surgery improve quality of life?

Conclusion. In addition to functional ameliorations we have shown that septoplasty creates a long-lasting improvement in quality of life in patients with nasal septal deviation. Objectives. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether nasal septal surgery alters patients' quality of life. Patients and methods. This 7-year retrospective study was undertaken in an otolaryngology center. A total of 600 patients who underwent septoplasty with or without turbinectomy in the past 7 years for the indication of septal deviation, were mailed a questionnaire to assess their quality of life after surgical intervention. The questionnaire with 24 items was summarized into 7 subscales (overall medical state, nasal symptoms, accompanying symptoms, sleep, practical problems, emotions and social life). A visual analog scale was provided to measure the patients' general feelings related to their nasal disease. Results. In all, 285 patients (47.5%) responded. Analysis of the questionnaire showed an improvement in all disease-specific subgroups.