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. 2025 May;18(2):171-179.
doi: 10.21053/ceo.2024.00341. Epub 2025 Jan 15.

Effectiveness of Septal Swell Body Reduction for Patients With Nasal Airway Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ji-Sun Kim  1 , Gulnaz Stybayeva  2 , Se Hwan Hwang  3
Affiliations

Effectiveness of Septal Swell Body Reduction for Patients With Nasal Airway Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ji-Sun Kim et al. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 2025 May.

Abstract

Objectives: The septal swell body, a distinct anatomical structure in the anterior nasal septum, is a significant contributor to nasal obstruction and affects airflow dynamics and nasal resistance. This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of septal swell body volume reduction (SSBVR).

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases through October 2024. Outcomes included changes in nasal obstruction scores, cross-sectional area, and nasal airway resistance before and after SSBVR. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated, and the effectiveness of SSBVR combined with turbinate surgery was compared to turbinate surgery alone.

Results: Seven studies involving 232 patients were analyzed. SSBVR significantly improved cross-sectional area (SMD, -1.05; 95% CI, -1.88 to -0.21) and nasal airway resistance (SMD, -0.67; 95% CI, -0.89 to -0.45). Nasal obstruction scores showed significant improvements up to 12 months (SMD, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.81 to 3.26). When SSBVR was added to turbinate surgery, nasal obstruction scores improved further (SMD, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.70) compared to turbinate surgery alone, though no significant differences were found in cross-sectional area or nasal airway resistance. Subgroup analyses demonstrated time-dependent improvements in nasal obstruction scores and varied effectiveness based on treatment modality.

Conclusion: SSBVR significantly improves nasal obstruction and airflow metrics, with additional benefits when combined with turbinate surgery. Further randomized trials are warranted to validate these findings and guide optimal treatment strategies.

Keywords: Nasal Cavity; Nasal Obstruction; Nasal Septum; Nasal Surgical Procedures; Radiofrequency Ablation; Turbinate.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Flowchart depicting article search process and selection.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Forest plots showing the effects of septal swell body reduction on nasal obstruction (A), cross-sectional area (B), and nasal airway resistance (C) by follow-up period. SMD, standardized mean difference; SE, standard error.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Forest plots comparing outcomes of additional SSBVR (turbinate surgery + SSBVR) versus control (turbinate surgery only) at 3 months postoperatively: nasal obstruction (A), nasal airway resistance (B), and cross-sectional area (C). SSBVR, septal swell body volume reduction; SMD, standardized mean difference; SE, standard error.
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