SEPTOPLASTY AND LASER INFERIOR TURBINATE MUCOTOMY: OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT BY ACOUSTIC RMINOMETRY

Abstract

SUMMARY In most regions of the body, the statement" Form Fo1lows Function" holds true. The reverse applies to the nose where function follows form. The aim of this work is to review the results of "functional septoplasty" and laser inferior turbinate mucotomy by acoustic rhinometry in terms of changes in the minimum cross section area (MCA) and resistance equivalent (Req). This work included the evaluation of 20 patients attended Police Authority Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, suffering from chronic nasal obstruction because of either deviated septum or inferior turbinate hypertrophy, operated on to correct the nasal airway obstruction. All patients were scheduled for primary corrective functional nasal surgery. The symptom of nasal obstruction was evaluated subjectively by the patient on a numerical scale (1-4) as well as objectively by acoustic rhinometry. Postoperative evaluation was performed at 4-6 weeks; Improvement of the airway was evaluated subjectively on numerical ( 1-4) scale and objectively by acoustic rhinometry. All patients performed either septoplasty following the principle of functional nasal surgery (tailoring the surgical technique to correct the deformity at a particular site) or laser inferior turbinate mucotomy. Results have a statistically significant