Comparison of complete nasal packing with and without integrated airways.

Abstract

To compare the effects of nasal packing using a Nasopore nasal packing with and without an airway tube on postoperative pain, SpO2, nasal obstruction, and difficulty in breathing complaints. This comparative study was conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), DMC Civil Hospital Karachi between September 18, 2021, to May 19, 2022. A total of 70 patients who underwent septoplasty for septal deviation and chronic hypertrophic rhinitis were equally divided into two groups. Group-A patients received nasal packing using a Nasopore nasal packing with an airway tube, and Group-B patients received nasal packing using a Nasopore nasal packing without an airway tube. Post-operation Nasal pain sensations were measured using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale at 2 and 12 hours. SpO2 was measured at 30 minutes pre-operatively with an O2 saturation monitor and 12 hours post-operatively during sleep. The postoperative pain at two hours and 12 hours was compared between the two groups, and a significant difference was observed. In Group-A, the average SpO2 decreased > 4% from baseline in 5.7% patients, and 37% in Group-B. A significant difference was observed in the severity of nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing, P-value < 0.05. It is concluded that septoplasty followed by applying nasal packing with integrated airway reduces postoperative pain and improves oxygen saturation compared to nasal packing without integrated airways.