Comparison of Outcome of Septoplasty and Septoplasty Combined with Inferior Turbinoplasty in Cases of Deviated Nasal Septum with Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

Background: Nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) and a deviated nasal septum (DNS) is a common otolaryngologic problem. Even after septoplasty, persistent turbinate hypertrophy may limit symptom alleviation. Inferior turbinoplasty with septoplasty can improve surgical outcomes by addressing both anatomical defects at the same time. However, the ideal surgical method remains debatable. Aim and Objective: To study the outcome of septoplasty and septoplasty combined with inferior turbinoplasty by comparing the symptomatic improvement, pre-op and post-op DNE findings and the postoperative incidence of complications. Methods: This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial included 50 persons with DNS and ITH between the ages of 20 and 45. Twenty-five patients were randomly allocated to get septoplasty alone or septoplasty with inferior turbinoplasty. Nasal airway patency was determined by DNE first-pass success, and preoperative and six-month postoperative symptom levels were assessed using a modified SNOT-20 questionnaire. Complications following surgery were reported. Statistical analyses were conducted using independent t-tests and chi-square tests, with a p-value of less than 0.05 indicating significance. Results: The gender distribution and preoperative symptom levels were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05). Compared to septoplasty alone, septoplasty with turbinoplasty significantly improved postoperative nasal obstruction, facial pain, sleep difficulty, decreased concentration, and overall symptom scores (mean total score: 8.6 ± 1.19 vs. 11.16 ± 1.11; p < 0.001). In contrast to 56% in the septoplasty-only group, DNE demonstrated 100% good first-pass airway patency in the combined group. Complication rates were similar across groups and low. The subgroups undergoing unilateral and bilateral turbinoplasty showed no significant differences. Conclusion: In patients with DNS and ITH, septoplasty + inferior turbinoplasty provides more symptomatic alleviation and objective nasal airway improvement than septoplasty alone. By addressing the structural and mucosal reasons for nasal blockage, this combined surgical approach improves airway patency and reduces residual symptoms while lowering the risk of complications. In appropriate circumstances, inferior turbinoplasty should be performed in conjunction with septoplasty to maximize surgical outcomes.