Submucous Resection versus Septoplasty: Complications and Functional Outcome in Adult Patients

Abstract

Background: Submucous resection and septoplasty are common procedures for the treatment of deviated nasal septum. This study was conducted to find out the functional outcome and frequency of complications with both methods.

Methodology: This descriptive observational study was carried out from 1st January 2007 to 31st December 2009, in Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, DHQ Teaching Hospital, D.I.Khan. Two hundred & twenty patients of both genders and age more than 17 years with symptomatic deviated nasal septum were included in the study. Patients with associated external nasal deformity were excluded. Classical submucous resection was performed in 120(54.55%) while septoplasty in 100(45.45%) patients. Anterior nasal packing was done for 24 hours and bilateral splints for 10 days in all patients postoperatively. A record was maintained in outpatient department in which observations of these patients during follow-up visits were entered for one year.

Results: The functional results and complications of two procedures were assessed. Nasal obstruction was relieved in 89/120(74%) patients after SMR and 72/100 (72%) after septoplasty (p>0.05). The overall complication rate was 37/120(31%) in SMR and 24/100(24%) in septoplasty group(p>0.05).

Conclusion: The study revealed no significant difference between the functional outcome and complication rates of the two procedures i.e. submucous resection and septoplasty for symptomatic deflected nasal septum.