Comparison results of nasal septum suturing and nasal packing following septoplasty

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND. Septoplasty is routinely used to resolve the deviated nasal septum. To obviate postoperative complications, some surgeons pack both nasal cavities and some other use suturing techniques after septoplasty. OBJECTIVE. To investigate the efficacy of septal suturing and packing in patients post-septoplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS. This study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Loghman Hakim, Tehran, Iran. 146 patients aged 17 years and above were enrolled for septoplasty. Septal suture was performed in 73 patients (group A) and nasal packing in the other 73 patients (group B). The principal outcomes in terms of bleeding, pain, respiratory problems, septal hematoma, adhesion and perforation were measured over a post-operative follow-up period. RESULTS. A total of 146 patients, 74% female and 26% male, were enrolled. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to respiratory problems and patient comfort (p<0.001). The patients in both groups had no septal perforation. CONCLUSION. Septoplasty using trans-septal suturing without packing can be safe and suitable to prevent or minimize postoperative complications.