The use of objective measures in selecting patients for septal surgery

Abstract

To improve results in septal surgery patient selection is the mainstay of a successful outcome. Patient history is the basis as well as clinical examination but both are subjective and must be considered towards a background with a high frequency of septal deviation in the population and a lack of good correlation between function and status. Rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry as well as nasal peak inspiratory flow are tests of different nasal parameters as resistance to breathing, nasal dimensions and flow. This article illuminates the use of these more objective tests in selection of patients for septo plasty. Objective tests have in several studies shown to predict postoperative satisfaction while normal values can be a marker for a poor surgical outcome. Pros and cons with objective tests are discussed and the conclusion is: operate when there is a good correlation between the patientA`s status, history and the results of rhinometry!