Assessment of symptoms
Pre-operative symptoms were assessed by interviews during each patient’s
first visit and were documented in the medical records. Post-operative
symptoms related to obstructive symptoms, such as swelling and
discomfort or pain during or between meals, were assessed based on a
three-point Likert-type scale 3 months postoperatively. Treatment
outcomes were classified into three scales as follows: obstructive
symptoms completely subsided (complete resolution), symptoms partially
improved (partial resolution), or symptoms not changed or worsened
(non-resolution).