Survey on the use of nasal tamponades in sinunasal surgery

Abstract

Currently, there is an intensive discussion about enhancing and expanding outpatient rhinosurgical procedures. Many questions about how to stratify into out- and inpatient procedures are still not sufficiently clarified. Particularly, the use of nasal packing materials is not adequately discussed. We performed a Germany-wide survey among otorhinolaryngologists regarding the use of nasal packing materials in sinonasal surgery. Additionally, we asked for any complication in relation to nasal packing. In 85,6% nasal packing was used for septal and turbinate surgery at least occasionally, in 44,2% always. In sinus surgery these numbers are 94,1% and 49%, respectively. Non-resorbable nasal packing materials were predominantly used.Most frequent complications were bleeding with nasal packing in situ (> 50% of respondents) and posterior dislocation (24% of respondents), requiring emergency treatment. Death was listed in 5 patients. One patient suffered from permanent brain damage due to hypoxia. Application of non-resorbable nasal packing materials with occlusion of the nasal cavity carry a substantial risk of complications, which necessitate emergency treatment, thus requiring inpatient care.