To compare the outcomes of endoscopic septoplasty and conventional septoplasty for deviated nasal septum in terms of symptomatic improvement and post-operative complications.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of endoscopic septoplasty and conventional septoplasty for deviated nasal septum in terms of symptomatic improvement and post-operative complications. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). Setting: Department of ENT Unit 2, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. Period: January 15, 2025 and July 14, 2025. Methods: A 60-case sample size, 30 cases in 2 groups was included. In group A, patients underwent surgery by endoscopic method under general anesthesia by using a 0-degree endoscope. In group B, patients underwent surgery by conventional method with illumination by headlight, nasal speculum and frees dissector after surgery, nasal cavity was packed with nasal pack soaked with bismuth iodoform paraffin paste. On weekly basis, for 4 weeks, all the patients were monitored in ENT opd. Results: 4^th week follow up: in endoscopic group the nasal obstruction was found in 1(3.3%) patient and in conventional group it was found in 7(23.3%) patients (p-value=0.023). Endoscopic group the nasal discharge was found in 3(10.0%) patients and in conventional group was found in 10(33.3%) patients (p-value=0.028). In endoscopic group the persistent septal deviation was found in 7(23.3%) patients and in conventional group it was found in 15(50.0%) patients (p-value=0.032). Conclusion: This study concluded that endoscopic septoplasty is significantly more effective compared to conventional septoplasty for deviated nasal septum for outcomes in terms of symptomatic improvement and complications after surgery.