A retrospective review of the management of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and frequency of concurrent adjunctive septoplasty

Background Septoplasty is indicated for nasal obstruction secondary to septal deviation. It is concurrently performed in up to 27% of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) to improve access. Aims We aimed to determine the frequency and indications of adjuvant concurrent septoplasty in ESS. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent ESS was performed. Patients included in the chart review were those who had ESS for any indication performed between 01/01/2022 to 31/12/2023 by two consultants ENT surgeons operating in The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. Charts were examined to appreciate if septoplasty was performed, and consent was obtained prior to theatre. If the case was a revision surgery or if revision surgery was carried out after the initial procedure this was also noted. Results In total, 84 patients underwent 90 cases of endoscopic sinus surgery were examined of which 6 cases were revision surgeries. Septoplasty was performed in 6 (6.6%) of these cases. Those who underwent adjuvant septoplasty were identified in the OPD. Factors for concomitant adjuvant septoplasty included a septal spur and caudal septal deviation. Conclusion In our series we found that less than 10% of ESS required septoplasty and this should be considered during the consent process.