Septoplasty: assessment with rhinomanometry

Septoplasty is one of the most common procedures in the domain of otolaryngology; though, few studies have discussed objectively how much successful this procedure is. We intended to use active anterior rhinomanometry to show this and correlation between these objective figures with clinical signs and symptoms. Overall, 48 patients underwent septoplasty procedure by a single surgeon. Before and one month after surgery, rhinomanometric study [measuring nasal flow and resistance] was done. In that periods, clinical symptoms [nasal obstruction] and signs [nasal impaction seen by rhinoscopy] were recorded by another surgeon, as well. According to history and physical examination, both nasal obstruction and impaction were improved significantly. Nasal flow and nasal resistance improved totally and in each side as well. There significant correlation between obstruction and nasal flow [r=0.34]. In 60.4% of patients, strong correlation was found between patient's satisfaction and clinical findings, as well as a significant but less strong correlation between satisfaction and rhinomanometric findings. Rhinomanometry is able to objectively evaluate the results of septoplasty procedure, so it is a useful and sometimes necessary tool for clinic and research as well as legal issues

[Pathologic findings in sinonasal polyposis and predisposing factors]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathologic findings in patients with sinonasal polyposis after functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and to assess the relationship between these findings and the predisposing factors of polyposis. This prospective study was conducted from March 2004 to November 2006 among 30 patients. All patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery after a detailed history and physical examination. The biopsy specimen were evaluated in two groups of eosinophilic and neutrophilic polyposis; then pathologic findings were compared with other findings. Overall, 20 patients [66.67%] were male and 10 [23.33%] were female. The highest frequency was seen in the 50-60-year age group. Allergic rhinitis and septal deviation were the most co-existing conditions. Eosinophilic polyposis was more prevalent than neutrophilic polyposis [18% vs. 12%, respectively, p=0. 04]. Eosinophilic polyposis was more common than neutrophilic type. Males are more frequently affected than females. Allergic diseases and nasal structural abnormalities were the most important factors associated with nasal polyposis