The effects of disclosure of sequential rhinomanometry scores on post‐septoplasty subjective scores of nasal obstruction: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the effects of awareness of rhinomanometric results on subjective sensation of nasal breathing in patients after septoplasty. DESIGN: Prospective randomised study. SETTING: Clinical Hospital Rijeka. PARTICIPANTS: A study of 60 patients (45 M, 15 F) who underwent septoplasty was performed at the ENT Clinic, Clinical Hospital Rijeka. The patients were randomised into two groups; group A was shown their rhinomanometry scores at 3 months postoperatively, while group B remained unaware of their rhinomanometry results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The assumption is that in the same settings patients aware of their rhinomanometric results have better performances of their Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and thereby a better quality of life (QOL) after septoplasty. RESULTS: The differences in rhinomanometric results and NOSE scale prior and after septoplasty were statistically significant (P < 0.001), all patients achieving better results after the operation. There was no statistically significant difference in resistance (F = 0.004; P = 0.948) and improvement of rhinomanometry results in postoperative measurements (F = 0.110; P = 0.896) between groups A and B. The symptoms measured by the NOSE scale were the same in both groups preoperatively and 1 month after septoplasty (F = 2.906; P = 0.094). Three months postoperatively in group A, the NOSE scale score was lower (M = 11.67; sd = 12.34) than in group B (M = 27.50; sd = 18.04). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that disclosing information to patients about their post-septoplasty rhinomanometry results may improve subjective nasal breathing, and thus improve their QOL.