Audit: patient reported outcomes of extracorporeal septorhinoplasty.

Background: Extracorporeal septorhinoplasty (ECS) presents an important option in the surgical correction of the markedly deformed and twisted nose. However, there is a paucity of literature on the qualitative outcomes of ECS.

Methodology: Retrospective telephone and postal questionnaire study of operations performed over 2 years (2008-2009) under the care of a senior rhinologist at two linked hospitals in the United Kingdom. Questionnaires were designed (i) relating to the procedure and (ii) patient perceptions of surgical success, improvements in physical health, psychosocial functioning and social interactions. For succinctness a shortened version of the Glasgow Benefit Inventory was used.

Results: Forty-six cases were analysed eight of which were revision cases. Two cases required revision surgery and two minor complications occurred, managed conservatively. The patients had a minimum of two to three follow-ups from seven days to one year. Questionnaire scores suggested high satisfaction in response to surgical success, with notable improvements in physical health (sleep disturbance) and in general health and well-being. Regarding psychosocial functions patients reported feeling either moderately less self-conscious or not self-conscious at all post-surgery. Improvements in social interactions were less well-defined.

Conclusion: In this audit of cases with significant deformities, ECS appears to confer high levels of satisfaction.