Endoscopic septoplasty in primary cases using electromechanical instruments: surgical technique, efficacy and results.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The microdebrider is a surgical tool which has been used successfully in many endoscopic surgical procedures in otolaryngology. In this study, we analysed our experience using this powered instrument in the resection of obstructive nasal septum deviations.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This was a longitudinal, prospective, descriptive study conducted between January and June 2007 on 141 patients who consulted for chronic nasal obstruction caused by a septal deviation or deformity and underwent powered endoscopic septoplasty (PES).

RESULTS

The mean age was 39.9 years (15-63 years); 60.28% were male (n=85) The change in nasal symptom severity decreased after surgery from 6.12 (preoperative) to 2.01 (postoperative). Patients undergoing PES had a significant reduction of nasal symptoms in the pre- and postoperative period, which was statistically significant (P<.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the results at the 2 nd week, 6th week and 5th year after surgery. The 100% of patients were satisfied with the results of surgery and no patient answered "No" to the question added to compare patient satisfaction after surgery. Minor complications in the postoperative period were present in 4.96% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Powered endoscopic septoplasty allows accurate, conservative repair of obstructive nasal septum deviations, with fewer complications and better functional results. In our experience, this technique offered significant perioperative advantages with high postoperative patient satisfaction in terms of reducing the severity of nasal symptoms.