Nasal obstruction symptom evaluation score outcomes in patients awaiting septoplasty at a tertiary ENT centre

Abstract

Abstract Objective Nasal septoplasty is one of the most performed procedures within ENT. Nasal obstruction secondary to a deviated nasal septum is the primary indication for functional septoplasty. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, waiting lists have increased and are now long. This study assessed patients on the waiting list for septoplasty and/or inferior turbinate reduction surgery using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation instrument. Method Patients on our waiting list for septoplasty and/or inferior turbinate reduction surgery were reviewed using a validated patient-reported outcome measure tool to assess symptom severity. Results Eighty-six out of a total of 88 patients (98 per cent) had Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scores of 30 or more. In addition, 78 (89 per cent) and 50 (57 per cent) patients were classified as having ‘severe’ or ‘extreme’ nasal obstruction, respectively. Two patients scored less than 30 and were classified as having non-significant nasal obstruction. Conclusion The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation instrument is a quick and easy way to validate septoplasty waiting lists. In this study, two patients were identified who no longer required surgery.