Correlation Between Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) Scores and Patient Satisfaction With Nasal Breathing After Septoplasty With Inferior Turbinate Reduction.

Objective: The study aimed to correlate the variation in the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) scores (preoperative vs. postoperative) with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) satisfaction scores for nasal breathing three months after septoplasty with inferior turbinate reduction.  Materials and

Methods: Adult patients with nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum were assessed. Preoperative and three-month postoperative SNOT-22 results, mean ∆SNOT-22 values, and VAS satisfaction scores for nasal breathing were recorded and analyzed. 

Results: A total of 26 patients were included in the study. Postoperative SNOT-22 scores significantly decreased at three months compared to preoperative scores (p=0.001), with a mean ∆SNOT-22 score of 23.38±23.39. The three-month postoperative VAS satisfaction score for nasal breathing was 8.54±1.75. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between SNOT-22 and VAS satisfaction scores three months postoperatively (r=0.482, p=0.017).

Conclusions: Patients undergoing septoplasty with inferior turbinate reduction for nasal obstruction exhibit high satisfaction levels with nasal breathing three months postoperatively. The VAS satisfaction scores correlate with improved SNOT-22 scores post-surgery.