NASAL AIR-FLOW AFTER SEPTORHINOPLASTY

The changes in nasal function which occur after septorhinoplasty for o bstruction were investigated by anterior rhinomanometry in 15 subjects . Objective and subjective measures of outcome were compared. Anterior rhinomanometry was performed after nasal decongestion. These data wer e mathematically transformed to determine the amount of airflow asymme try through the nostrils and the stiffness of the nasal valve. The res ults suggested that the presence of gross airflow asymmetry (> +/- 80% ) in patients prior to surgery was a bad prognostic indicator for post -operative satisfaction with the airway. Patient satisfaction with fun ction and cosmetic appearance post-operatively was correlated with the presence of symmetrical nasal airflow. Nasal valve stiffness did not seem to be affected by septorhinoplasty.