Improvement in Nasal Obstruction and Quality of Life after Nasal Septoplasty with Turbinoplasty: A Pre- and Post-study

Abstract Introduction Septoplasty and turbinoplasty are common surgical interventions used to relieve nasal obstructive symptoms. Since it is difficult to measure the degree of nasal blockage, current literature wonders about the frequent performance of these procedures. Objective To evaluate the perceived change in the nasal obstruction and the quality of life (QoL) of patients that underwent a septoplasty along with a turbinoplasty by applying subjective scales, to describe the correlation between those scales, and to study the impact of clinical factors in the postoperative outcomes. Methods Prospective observational study. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) were assessed. The paired sample Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the difference between the pre- and postoperative surveys. The correlation coefficient between the subjective scales was calculated. A quantile regression was performed to evaluate the effect of surgery on the results adjusted for clinical and demographic variables. Results A total of 115 patients were interviewed. Postoperative NOSE scores were 45 points lower (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 53.53-- 35.46; p < 0.001) in comparison with the NOSE preoperative scores. Obesity was the only statistically significant factor associated with worse outcomes. Additionally, we found a high correlation between the NOSE and VAS scores and a negative correlation between the GBI and postoperative VAS scores. Conclusion Nasal septoplasty, when paired with a turbinoplasty, decreases nasal obstruction and improves QoL. Obesity was associated with worse results. There was a strong correlation between the NOSE and the VAS results and between the GBI and postoperative VAS results.

¿Es necesaria la prueba confirmatoria para COVID-19 prequirúrgica? Experiencia preliminar de un departamento de otorrinolaringología / ¿Is there a really a need for preoperative PCR testing for COVID-19? Preliminary experience of an ENT Department

Introducción: la enfermedad por el nuevo coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19) ha cambiado la practica quirúrgica. Su aparición en nuestro país ha provocado el aplazamiento masivo de las cirugías electivas. La evidencia actual sobre los desenlaces de las cirugías electivas de otorrinolaringología durante la pandemia de COVID-19 es limitada. Objetivo: describir la experiencia quirúrgica durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en un departamento de otorrinolaringología en Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo que incluyó las historias clínicas y las descripciones quirúrgicas de los pacientes que fueron llevados a cirugía de otorrinolaringología durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en dos hospitales, entre el 5 de mayo y el 15 de agosto de 2020 en Bogotá, Colombia. Resultados: Se incluyeron 199 pacientes (122 hombres con una mediana de edad de 28 años). Ningún paciente falleció o requirió del ingreso a una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). El 97,5 % de las cirugías fueron electivas. 19,5 % pacientes desarrollaron síntomas relacionados con COVID-19 en el posoperatorio; de los pacientes evaluados, solo uno obtuvo un resultado positivo posquirúrgico para COVID-19 y no desarrolló ninguna complicación. Seis pacientes desarrollaron complicaciones después de la cirugía y uno tuvo neumonía con resultado negativo en la prueba de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa nasofaríngeo (PCR) para COVID-19. Conclusiones: a pesar de la alta exposición a aerosoles durante las cirugías de otorrinolaringología y la alta transmisibilidad del virus, los resultados sugieren que estas cirugías, con el uso apropiado del equipo de protección personal (EPP), y la adecuada selección de los pacientes son seguras para el paciente y para el otorrinolaringólogo.

Introduction: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has changed global surgical activity causing massive elective surgery postponement. Current evidence surrounding surgical outcomes after otorhinolaryngological surgical procedures during COVID-19 pandemic is limited. Objective: To describe our surgical experience during COVID-19 outbreak in an otolaryngology department in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: This retrospective study analysed the records and surgical information of adults and children's patients who underwent an elective or emergency ENT surgery during COVID-19 outbreak at two hospitals between May 5 to August 15, 2020 in Bogotá, Colombia. Results: A total of 199 patients were enrolled (122 males, median age of 28 years). No patients died or required intensive unit care (ICU). Elective surgery represented the 97.5% surgeries. 19.5% patients had COVID-19 related symptoms in the postoperative period, from the tested patients only one obtained a positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result and did not develop any associated respiratory complication. Six patients developed complications after surgery, and one had pneumonia with a negative COVID-19 PCR nasopharyngeal swab result. Conclusions: This study shows that despite the high exposure to droplets during otorhinolaryngologic surgeries and the inherent high transmissibility from the virus, the surgical procedures with correct patient selection and appropriate use of PPE can be safe for both the patient and the otolaryngologist.