Clinical Practice and Outcome of Septoplasty—A Retrospective Study of 11,714 Surgeries in Sweden 2014–2023

Objectives: Although septoplasty is frequently performed in patients with nasal obstruction, studies on clinical practice and real-life outcomes are sparse. This study aimed to describe the clinical practice, characteristics of septoplasty patients, patient-reported outcomes and complications, as well as predictors for a successful outcome in a comprehensive national longitudinal database. Methods: = 11,714). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to search for predictors of a successful outcome (i.e., no or mild self-reported nasal obstruction). Results: Clinical practice was influenced by the surgical unit. A successful outcome was reported in 59.9% of the patients. Predictors for a successful outcome were higher age, more recent surgery, unilateral subjective nasal obstruction, no nighttime nasal obstruction, and no smoking. Almost one in four patients reported a chronic complication from surgery after 12 months. Conclusion: There is an unwarranted diversity in Swedish septoplasty practice, which illustrates a lack of knowledge of best practices. The patient-reported outcome, where only six of 10 patients had no or mild nasal obstruction at follow-up, indicates room for improvement. Level of Evidence: 4.