Investigation of concha volume change in patients who had concha cauterization due to turbone hypertrophy during septorinoplasty operation

ABSTRACT Introduction and Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of changes in concha volume on obstruction symptoms in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty (SRP) with concha cauterization, and to compare the cosmetic outcomes in our patients. Material and Methods:Between 2019 and 2023, 314 patients who underwent SRP and turbinate cauterization were analyzed. Among the patients, 30 patients with preoperative and postoperative computed tomography imaging were included in the study and concha volume changes were analyzed. The ImageJ window (version 1.46j) application was used to determine the vertical and horizontal areas of the inferior turbinate from the computed tomography sections and the turbinate volumes were calculated. Patient satisfaction was questioned with preoperative and postoperative NOSE (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Nose) and T-SCHNOS (Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey) evaluation scales. Results:A decrease in total concha volume was observed in 28 out of 30 patients included in the study following concha cauterization. The average concha volume decreased from 6,87 cm3 to 5,09 cm3, with an average change of 1,78 cm3 per concha. Statically significant improvements were observed in concha volume, NOSE (Nasal Obstrucyion Symptom Evaluation), and SCHNOS (Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey) scales in the overall patient group (p<0,001). Postoperative increase in cosmetic satisfaction was less frequent in the female patient group compared to the male patient group, and this difference was statically significant (p:0,032). Preoperative and postoperative changes in concha volume were found to correlate with changes in NOSE and T-SCHNOS scale scores, as well as improvements in obstruction symptoms. Conclusion: Before the increasingly common SRP operation, detailed information should be provided to all patients, and the aim of surgery should be to address not only the expectation of cosmetic improvement but also the alleviation of breathing problems. Considering the significant improvement in obstructive symptoms due to the reduction in concha volume, surgical intervention should be considered and implemented in patients with concha hypertrophy identified during preoperative evaluation. Keywords: Septorhinoplasty, concha cauterization, concha volume, NOSE, T-SCHNOS, patient satisfaction