Evaluation of Preoperative and Postoperative Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

[BACKGROUND] Improvement of nasal aesthetics by means of rhinoplasty is a highly sought-after procedure and leads to increased patient confidence. The aim of the study was to provide a quantitative synthesis of existing data regarding the ability of cosmetofunctional rhinoplasty to improve patient satisfaction and quality of life measured by the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation scale.

[METHODS] Electronic databases were searched for studies evaluating quality of life following aesthetic rhinoplasty. Study results were pooled and analyzed using a random effects model. Effect size was estimated using standardized mean difference at a 95 percent confidence interval. Heterogeneity and benefit were assessed and reported using the I and standard mean difference. Subgroup analyses were performed based on follow-up period and age group segregation.

[RESULTS] A total of 377 articles were retrieved, of which eight studies were included in the final analysis. Overall, patient satisfaction analyzed by pooling eight observational studies improved following cosmetofunctional rhinoplasty (standard mean difference, 5.87; 95 percent CI, 3.55 to 8.19; I = 100 percent). In addition, further subgroup analyses revealed that maximum benefit was derived by younger patients (standard mean difference, 6.69; 95 percent CI, 3.65 to 9.74; I = 99 percent) compared with older patients (standard mean difference, 3.48; 95 percent CI, 3.01 to 3.96; I = 0 percent). Postoperative patient satisfaction levels showed maximum improvement during a follow-up period of 6 to 12 months (standard mean difference, 11.07; 95 percent CI, -8.79 to 32.12; I = 100 percent).

[CONCLUSION] Cosmetofunctional rhinoplasty improves patients' quality of life as evidenced by an improvement in Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation scores.

[CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] Therapeutic, IV.