.png)
Objective: Several studies in literature have reported the effects of septoplasty on postoperative quality of life. However, there is not enough evidence regarding the effect of the chosen type of anesthesia on patient satisfaction and quality of life in patients with septoplasty. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of anesthesia in patients who underwent surgery for nasal septum deviation on their quality of life (QOL) and patient satisfaction.
Methods: This prospective, non-randomized, and controlled study was conducted in a third-line reference hospital between July and December 2016. Although no randomization technique was used in the study, the patients included in the study were those on the clinical surgery list and met the inclusion criteria. Fifty patients who underwent septoplasty under general anesthesia (GA) and 50 who underwent septoplasty under local anesthesia (LA) were included. Data were collected using a case report form, World Health Organization-5 (WHO-5) Well-Being Index, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) form, and patient satisfaction form. Data collection from the completed forms was blinded to the patients and type of anesthesia (day of surgery and post-op 30th day). Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson’s chi-squared test, Wilcoxon marked order test, and Spearman’s correlation test were used for data evaluation. Results were evaluated based on 95% confidence interval and p value of < 0.05.
Results: There was no difference in sociodemographic characteristics of patients and median WHO-5 and NOSE scores between the groups (p > 0.05). Postoperatively, there was no difference in general health, QOL, and satisfaction (p > 0.05); healthcare satisfaction was higher in patients who had GA (p = 0.000).
Conclusion: There was no significant difference in QOL between the patients who underwent septoplasty under GA and LA. In the first month following surgery, patients who underwent septoplasty under GA had higher healthcare satisfaction.
Cite this article as: Vermisli S, Cukurova I, Kozcu SH, Cetinkaya EA. Quality of life and patient satisfaction following septoplasty: comparison of general and local anesthesia. B-ENT 2021; 17(3): 127-34.