Table 1 Studies excluded from our systematic review

Cho GS et al [16]

Discussed association between subjective sensation of nasal obstruction with respect to different locations in the nose with lack of reference to diagnosis of nasal septal deviation

Liu T et al [17]

Computer simulations of nasal airflow in nasal obstruction/septal deviation

Chen XB at al [18]

Computer simulations of nasal airflow in nasal obstruction/septal deviation

Hanif J et al [19]

Little reference to diagnosis of septal deviation, discussed quantification of severity of nasal septum for future surgery

Filho DI et al [20]

Little or no reference to diagnosis of nasal septal deviation

Cole P et al [21]

Computer simulations of nasal airflow in nasal obstruction/septal deviation

Farhadi, M [22]

Unclear on inclusion of patients with only septal deviation/nasal obstruction from other causes

Kahveci OK [23]

Only addressed efficacy of NOSE scale in patients receiving septal surgery

Rujanavej V et al [24]

Diagnosis of septal deviation made with concurrent nasal obstruction and sinonasal disease

Gogniashvilli G et al [25]

Prevalence study of physiological/pathological septal deviation

Garcia GJ et al [26]

Computer simulations of nasal airflow in nasal obstruction/septal deviation

Pirila T et al [27]

Discussed patient satisfaction with septoplasty, without reference to diagnosis of septal deviation

Chandra RK et al [28]

Review of nasal obstruction

Benninger MS [29]

Excluded patients with nasal septal deviation

Cuddihy PJ et al [30]

Almost half of the sample of patients had concurrent rhinitis