ORIGINAL ARTICLE METHODS

All the patients presenting in the outpatient department of this hospital with symptomatic nasal septal deviations were examined systematically and suitable patients were selected for surgical management. All the patients in whom endoscopic septoplasty was performed as a preliminary step of another nasal surgery (e.g. FESS, DCR) were also included in this study. A diagnostic endoscopy was routinely performed before the final surgery (Fig. 1). All the patients with significant infection in the nose were usually given a course of antibiotics and decongestants before planning surgery. Patients with nasal polyposis and fungal sinusitis were also given a preoperative trial of steroid sprays and antifungals. A patient with CSF rhinorrhea was observed for a period of 3 weeks with a conservative line of treatment before planning surgical intervention. A computerized tomography (CT) scan was always advised for the patients being planned for functional endoscopic sinus surgery