[Changes in nasal airway resistance before and after endoscopic sinus surgery].

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of endoscopic sinus surgery(ESS) on nasal airway resistance (NAR) and to analyze the relationship between NAR and nasal airflow sensation.

METHODS

The NAR and nasal airflow sensation were measured with anterior rhinomanometry and visual analogous scale test (VAS) in 42 patients (50 sides) before and after the ESS.

RESULTS

NAR decreased significantly after the operation. The change rates in NAR before and after the decongestion were (55.71 +/- 13.90)% and (24.32 +/- 8.73)%, respectively, and there was a significant difference (P < 0.05). The pathological increase in NAR correlated well with subjective sensation of the patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The improvement of nasal functions by ESS is not due to the alteration of the anatomic structure of the nasal cavity, but to the amelioration of mucosal edema. The rhinomanometry can be used as a useful clinical tool in determining nasal patency.