.png)
Objective: In an otorhinolaryngology setting, a septorhinoplasty is frequently performed for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Therefore, pre- and postoperative evaluation of patient satisfaction regarding their nasal appearance and functional result is paramount.
Methods: This prospective observational, longitudinal outcome cohort study in a single private hospital center will involve 30 patients. All the participants, aged 18 years or over, are patients undergoing an external septorhinoplasty for both functional and aesthetic reasons. To assess the postoperative functional and aesthetic outcome in these patients, patient-related outcome measures (NOSE scale, FACE-Q, and Utrecht Questionnaire) as well as functional nasal measurements (nasal anterior rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flow) will be carried out. In addition, the psychological profile of the patient will be measured by a specific screening tool (BDDQ-AS) regarding the presence or absence of a body dysmorphic disorder. The primary outcomes of this study include longitudinal postoperative changes in nasal obstruction and aesthetic satisfaction. Secondary outcomes include the correlation between the different patient-related outcome measures, the correlation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale with the functional tests and functional tests with the surgical methods used. The outcomes will be assessed at baseline (inclusion), and at 3, 6, and 12-months post intervention (postoperatively). In addition, the correlation between postoperative aesthetic satisfaction and the presence of body dysmorphic disorder will be assessed at 6 months post intervention.
Results: To our best knowledge, this is the first study correlating different patient-related quality of life questionnaires in septorhinoplasty, both aesthetic as well as functional, with all current types of objective nasal measurements. This study will also measure the impact of the psychological profile of the patient as related to body dysmorphic disorder on the aesthetic outcome.
Conclusion: The results of this study aim to provide a deeper insight into the functional and aesthetic satisfaction of patients undergoing an external septorhinoplasty.
Cite this article as: Verkest V, Pingnet L, Fransen E, Declau F. Analysis of functional and aesthetic outcomes in external septorhinoplasty: study protocol. B-ENT 2020; 16(1): 45-50.