Quality of life after operative treatment of sinonasal inverted papilloma - a prospective study.

BACKGROUND

Studies assaying morbidity related to sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) and its treatment are lacking. We evaluated how operative treatment of SNIP affects patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited consecutive patients (n=52) operated for SNIP at Helsinki University Hospital, between years 2016 and 2019. In total, 42 patients filled in the 15D, a generic HRQoL instrument and a symptom questionnaire preoperatively and at 1 year and at 2 years postoperatively. The 15D HRQoL scores were compared to those of age- and sex-standardized general population.

RESULTS

Patients' mean baseline score for discomfort and symptoms (one of the 15D dimensions) was significantly better compared to general population, but this difference faded postoperatively. Frequency of epistaxis, nasal obstruction, lowered sense of smell, headache, tinnitus and epiphora decreased significantly during follow-up whereas frequency of numbness of the face or mouth increased. Difference in the mean 15D score of the patients compared with general population was insignificant at baseline and at 1 year and at 2 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Measured by a generic HRQoL questionnaire, the mean score for discomfort and symptoms deteriorated after operative treatment of SNIP. Despite a relief of many symptoms, care should be taken when operating a benign tumour, as surgery may cause morbidity.