Comparison of the Transseptal Suturing with Nasal Packs After Septoplasty

Abstract

Objective: Nasal packs are commonly used after septoplasty. However, there are numerous complications associated with nasal packing in the literature. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of transseptal suture technique (TSS) versus three different types of nasal packs regarding to postoperative complications and patient satisfaction after septoplasty. Material and Method: The study group included 80 patients who underwent septoplasty. The patients were randomly divided into four groups: Merocel group (group 1), internal nasal splint (INS) group (group 2), synthetic polyurethane foam (SPF) group (group 3) and TSS group (group 4). The VAS scores of groups were compared for pain (during pack, on removal of the pack), sense of pressure, dysphagia and postnasal drip. The complications including bleeding, synechiae, septal hematoma and septal perforation were also compared for each group. Results: The mean VAS scores of postoperative pain during packed and on removal of packs, sense of pressure and dysphagia found significantly higher in Merocel group than in silicone and Nasopore groups. There was no significant difference between other three groups regarding to VAS scores. Bleeding ratio was highest in Merocel group, and lowest in TSS group. Synechiae ratio was highest in Merocel group followed by TSS and SPF groups and lowest in INS group. There was no difference between groups regarding to septal hematoma and septal perforation. Conclusion: Our results showed that TSS technique might be safely used in septoplasty patients regarding to high patient’s satisfaction and low complication ratios. Merocel does not seem to be an appropiate material for septoplasty due to its high complication and low patient’s quality of life ratios.