Long-term rhinoflowmetry for the evaluation of the nasal flow

Introduction:

The surgery of the nasal septum is one of the most performed surgeries in the ENT-field. For the evaluation of the surgical success there are different ways, such as the assessment by the patient, the anterior rhinoscopy or the rhinoresistometry. These methods, though, only give information about the current state without taking into account longer intervals influenced for example by the nasal cycle. The rhinoflowmetry records the nasal flow on both sides, the heart and respiratory rate over 24 hours. Thus, the surgical result can be assessed.

Methods:

For our study 20 patients before septoplasty and 3 months after the surgery were included. Besides, they were asked to fill out questionnaires (SNOT-20, significance of smelling), they were examined by an ENT-doctor and a chronic sinusitis was ruled out. The function of the nose was assessed by the Sniffin' Sticks, the rhinoresistometry and the acoustic rhinometry. Both before the surgery and 3 months later the patients received a portable long-term rhinoflowmetry device. The same measurements were performed at a control group without surgery.

Results:

It could be shown that the nasal flow improved after surgery. This result correlates with the questionnaires and the other findings. Within the control group there were no significant changes.

Conclusion:

The long-term rhinoflowmetry is a suitable method to objectify the outcome after septoplasty.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)