Comparison of outcomes using conventional nasal pack with hydroxylated polyvinyl acetate pack following Septoplasty

Aim: To compare the conventional anterior nasal packing (CANP) with Hydroxylated polyvinyl acetate pack (Merocele) after septoplasty, in terms of pain, bleeding, and postoperative complications like synechia formation.

Material and Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, interventional study conducted among 48 patients. Patients underwent septoplasty under general anesthesia for symptomatic deviated nasal septum. In all the 48 patients, post-surgery, one nasal cavity was packed with a conventional nasal pack and the other cavity was packed with Merocele nasal pack. Pain and bleeding were evaluated during pack removal on the third post-operative day. Synechia was assessed at the 8^th post-operative week (2 months) follow-up. The results were compared between the two groups.

Result: Out of 48 patients who underwent surgery, 3 patients were lost to follow-up. So, results were compared between 45 patients. Pain and bleeding during removal of conventional and merocele packs were not seen to be statistically significant. Post-operative synechia was not seen in any of the nasal cavities, irrespective of the packing material used.

Conclusion: Hence, in terms of pain, bleeding during pack removal, and post-operative synechia; conventional and merocele nasal packs were comparable and there was no significant difference in using either of the materials post-septoplasty.