Is the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 a suitable evaluation for septorhinoplasty?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS It is becoming increasingly important for clinicians to demonstrate the impact of their interventions. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire is a disease-specific questionnaire involving 22 symptoms combining rhinologic issues with general health issues. We evaluated the SNOT-22 score as a quality-of-life outcome measure in septorhinoplasty surgery. STUDY DESIGN Outcome research. METHODS We carried out a prospective case series in 76 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. Their SNOT-22 scores were compared pre- and postoperatively. We also recorded individual symptom scores to study the impact of surgery. To check its reliability, the SNOT-22 score was correlated to patient-reported symptoms on a visual analogue scale. Patients were screened for comorbid conditions. Interactions with the surgical technique and/or with the initial sinonasal disease were sought. RESULTS The SNOT-22 is a reliable and responsive outcome measure in septorhinoplasty surgery. Septorhinoplasty was especially effective at addressing nasal obstruction, discharge, olfaction, related sleep disturbance, and emotional symptoms such as embarrassment or frustration. Comparison to the visual analogue scale instrument confirmed the outcome measured by the SNOT-22. CONCLUSIONS The SNOT-22 could be used in routine clinical practice to highlight the impact of nasal disease in each patient and to measure the outcome and the effectiveness of the surgical intervention.