The study titled "Identifying Residual Psychological Symptoms after Nasal Reconstruction Surgery in Patients with Empty Nose Syndrome" investigates the psychological impact of nasal reconstruction surgery on patients diagnosed with Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). ENS is a condition that can occur after nasal surgeries, leading to a range of debilitating symptoms, including a sensation of nasal obstruction despite having a patent airway, which can significantly affect patients' quality of life.
The researchers aimed to evaluate the psychological symptoms experienced by ENS patients both preoperatively and postoperatively, utilizing validated assessment tools such as the SNOT-25 (Sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Survey), ENS6Q (Empty Nose Syndrome 6-Questionnaire), BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory-II), and BAI (Beck Anxiety Inventory). The study included 40 patients with ENS and a control group of 40 age- and sex-matched individuals.
Results indicated that both the BDI-II and BAI scores significantly improved six months and one year after surgery compared to preoperative scores. However, the postoperative scores for ENS patients remained significantly higher than those of the control group, suggesting that while surgery alleviated some psychological symptoms, residual symptoms persisted. Notably, a BDI-II score greater than 28.5 was identified as the optimal cutoff for predicting postoperative residual psychological symptoms.
The study concluded that a comprehensive psychological evaluation is crucial for ENS patients undergoing surgery. It highlighted the importance of recognizing individuals at risk for postoperative psychological distress and suggested that a multimodal approach, including both surgical and psychiatric interventions, is essential for achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes. This research underscores the significant psychological burden faced by ENS patients and the need for ongoing support even after surgical interventions.