Prognostic Value of the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) for Turbinoplasty – An Institutional-Based Study

Nasal obstruction is among the most frequently reported symptoms in otolaryngology, often attributed to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Turbinoplasty is a well-established surgical intervention aimed at reducing turbinate size and improving nasal airflow. Despite its effectiveness, the evaluation of surgical outcomes has often lacked standardized subjective measures. The Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), a validated patient-reported outcome tool, has gained attention for its utility in assessing symptom burden and quality of life in sinonasal conditions. This study aims to assess the prognostic value of SNOT-22 in patients undergoing turbinoplasty, analyzing symptom improvement and quality-of-life enhancement over a defined postoperative period. A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care institution from January 2021 to December 2022. A total of 100 patients aged 18–60 years with turbinate hypertrophy unresponsive to medical treatment and scheduled for turbinoplasty were enrolled. Patients completed the SNOT-22 questionnaire preoperatively and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Exclusion criteria included prior nasal surgeries, nasal polyps, significant septal deviation, or systemic conditions affecting nasal function. All surgeries were performed by a uniform surgical team under general anesthesia. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The mean preoperative SNOT-22 score was 48.6 ± 9.5, which significantly decreased to 32.4 ± 8.1 at 1 month, 25.7 ± 6.3 at 3 months, and 18.2 ± 5.8 at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). Subdomains such as nasal blockage, sleep quality, and fatigue showed marked improvements. Minor complications, such as bleeding, were observed in 3 cases, with no major adverse events. SNOT-22 serves as an effective prognostic and monitoring tool for patients undergoing turbinoplasty, offering valuable insights into symptom progression and patient satisfaction. The consistent reduction in scores underscores its role in outcome prediction and clinical decision-making. Wider adoption of such tools may enhance individualized care in nasal obstruction management.