ENDOSCOPIC SEPTOPLASTY VERSUS CONVENTIONAL SEPTOPLASTY : A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Endoscopic septoplasty is a new technique with certain advantages compared to the conventional headlight technique. With butter visibility of the nasal cavity, lesser injury to the surrounding structures and better patient tolerability and hospital stay, endoscopic technique is an effective alternate to the conventional technique. To evaluate and compare the two techniques we conducted a prospective randomized study with 30 patients in each group. Detailed clinical examination and DNE was done prior to the surgery. And patients were given NOSE questionnaire to record the severity of symptoms. And after the surgery patients were followed up for 3 months. At the end of 3 months post-operative DNE was done and NOS a questionnaire was given to the patients to record the relief of symptoms. In this way We compared the disease from both subjective and objective perspectives. There was significant less postoperative hospital stay in endoscopic group and it was a longer procedure compared to conventional septoplasty. Posterior and high septal deviations were better treated with endoscopic septoplasty. Since it is done with a digital monitor system it is an effective tool in teaching.