A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF OUTCOME OF SEPTOPLASTY IN ALLERGIC RHINITIS IN TERTIARY HOSPITAL.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of allergic rhinitis(AR) on septoplasty outcome using self assessment NOSE scale and clarify whether patients with deviated nasal septum (DNS) and allergic rhinitis benefit from septoplasty to the same extent as patients without allergic rhinitis. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study, with consecutive sampling of all patients undergoing septoplasty from June 2016 to February 2017, conducted in the department of otorhinolaryngology in a tertiary care hospital METHODS: Ninety eight patients underwent septoplasty over the study period. Follow-up data were obtained from eighty three patients. All participants were assessed tge severity of their symptoms based on a Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale prior to and a month following septoplasty. Patients were divided into two groups according to AR status. The regression of NOSE score following septoplasty was studied and comparisions made between groups. RESULTS: Following septoplasty, subjective improvement in breathing (decreased NOSE scores) was observed for both groups, the decrease being significantly more substantial in the non-allergic group. CONCLUSION: The surgeon should proceed with caution when managing patients with deviated nasal septum with co-existent allergic rhinitis. These patients are more likely to be less satisfied after septoplasty compared to patients without allergy. Adequate medical management of allergic rhinitis should be the first priority for these cases. Keywords: septoplasty, allergic rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, NOSE scale