Introduction
nasal airflow, nasal obstruction
Septoplasty is a common operation to alleviate nasal obstruction associated with deviation of the nasal septum. It may be accompanied by reduction of the inferior turbinate to increase airflow through the nasal cavities. Surgery is typically predicated on clinical history and a visual assessment of the nasal septum. To date, no objective nasal airflow measures have proven definitively beneficial in the selection of patients. Despite the lack of an evidence base, in 2019/20 about 16 700 septoplasty procedures were performed in EnglandMany UK clinical commissioning guidelines propose a trial of medical treatment before surgical referral.The Nasal Airways Obstruction Study (NAIROS) was designed to provide definitive evidence and recommendations for the clinical effectiveness of septoplasty, to inform guidance on which patients may benefit from this treatment, and to standardise treatment across the UK.