Nasal Valve Reconstruction: A Quality of Life Assessment

Objective: 1) Evaluate patient reported outcomes of nasal valve repair using a survey. 2) Understand quality of life measures following nasal valve reconstruction.Method: This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent nasal valve reconstruction between December 2005 and December 2011. The study involved a 39-question survey that measured quality of life, overall satisfaction with the surgical outcomes, and patient-reported surgical outcomes in multiple symptoms including nasal obstruction, exercise tolerance, sleep, etc.Results: Forty-four patients completed the survey, and 25 had prior nasal surgery. The most common postoperative complaint was breathing difficulties (36%). Seventeen patients (39%) reported no change in the size of the nose despite augmentation of the nasal valve. Of those patients who did notice a change, 52% stated they notice the increase in size occasionally and never hear comments from others (70%). Overall, patients were satisfied with the results (81%), and 98% would rec...