Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Outcomes Assessed by the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22: A Prospective Cohort Study from a Single Institution in Rawalpindi

Abstract

Objective: Using the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) in improving symptoms and quality of life among patients with
chronic sinusitis.
Study Design: Prospective cohort study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of ENT, Combined Military Hospital
(CMH), Rawalpindi, Pakistan from 1^st September 2023 to 1^st September 2024.
Methods: A single-arm prospective cohort study assessing surgical outcomes was performed on 50 patients
diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis to evaluate the impact of FESS on quality of life. Participants completed
the SNOT-22 questionnaire before surgery and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative intervals. Patients
were categorized as having chronic rhinosinusitis with lesions, without lesions, or fungal sinusitis. Pre- and
postoperative SNOT-22 scores were compared using an independent t-test; P-values <0.001 were considered
significant.
Results: The mean age of participants was 34.5 ± 5.45 years (range 25–50 years). Of the total, 30% had chronic
rhinosinusitis without lesions, 50% lesions, and 20% had fungal sinusitis. Recurrence occurred in 12% of cases,
and 8% required revision surgery. Asthma was present in 24% of patients. Postoperative SNOT-22 scores
showed a highly significant reduction (P < 0.001), indicating marked symptom improvement. Patients with
lesions demonstrated greater improvement in sinonasal outcomes and quality of life following surgery.
Conclusion: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery significantly improves symptoms and overall well-being in
patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The substantial decrease in SNOT-22 scores after surgery confirms its
effectiveness, especially among patients with lesions, by enhancing disease control and quality of life.

How to cite this: Alvie M, Akhtar S, Haleem U, Azhar H, Abbasi T, Batool F. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Outcomes Assessed by the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22: A Prospective Cohort Study from a Single Institution in Rawalpindi. Life and Science. 2025; 6(4): 477-482. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.813