Can the Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) be used as a reliable outcome measure for successful septal surgery?

Septoplasty and submucous resection are common procedures in the UK. This study looks prospectively at 40 patients undergoing surgery at two hospitals. A pre- and postoperative assessment (3 months) was made using the Sino-nasal Outcome Test. This test was originally designed for rhinosinusitis but our study suggests that it is a useful tool in nasal septal surgery, in that it combines both nasal specific and general health questions, which can be analysed individually or together. Improvements in nasal obstruction (75%), facial pain (33%) and catarrh (10%) were noted.