Using intranasal splints after septoplasty operations: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background Intranasal splints are widely used after septoplasty for prevention of intranasal adhesions. However, they have been shown to cause significant discomfort. Aim To evaluate the use of intranasal splints after septoplasty. Patients and methods This randomized study included 50 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty and bilateral partial inferior turbinectomy. They were divided randomly into two groups (A or B). In only group A, intranasal splints were placed in both nostrils before packing. Nasal splints were removed after 7 days of surgery. Assessment of the nasal cavity, using the nasal endoscope and the Arab NOSE scale, for nasal obstruction was done at 1 and 6 weeks after septoplasty. Pain and discomfort after operation were evaluated using the visual analog scale. Results There were 26 (52%) males and 24 (48%) females. The age range of patients was between 19 and 48 years old. They were divided into two groups: A (splinted) and B (nonsplinted). One week after operation, group A results showed higher numbers regrading nasal obstruction, as well as pain and discomfort after operation (P=0.047 and 0.001 in the order). Six weeks after septoplasty, group B results regarding intranasal adhesions and nasal obstruction were significantly more than group A (P=0.001 and 0.021, respectively). Conclusion Using intranasal splints effectively decreases intranasal adhesions after septoplasty, although it may be accompanied with pain, discomfort, and nasal obstruction in the early postoperative period.