Surgery for nasal obstruction--evaluation by rhinomanometry.

Nasal obstruction is predominantly a subjective patient complaint. The physical examination of the nose for nasal obstruction is a subjective evaluation as well. While the history and physical examination are reasonable diagnostic indicators, an objective means of evaluation is needed. Rhinomanometry measures nasal obstruction objectively and reliably. Thirty-six patients with nasal obstruction were evaluated by rhinomanometry before and after nasal surgery. The results are reported here. Rhinomanometry confirms the effectiveness of intranasal surgery. Using rhinomanometry, various techniques of intranasal surgery are evaluated, and several interesting observations are made.