Nasal Septal Suture Technique versus Nasal Packing after Septoplasty: A Prospective Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of nasal septal suturing versus nasal packing after septoplasty surgery. Methods:This is a prospective comparative study done on 100 patients who underwent septoplasty with or without turbinoplasty. Patients in the age group 18- 60 years were included in the study. The patients were divided randomly into 2 groups. In group A: Nasal septal suturing was done and in group B: Internal nasal packing was done. The operating time, postoperative pain, outcome and complications were evaluated. Results: Patients with group B complained more nasal pain and head ache in the immediate post-operative period. In these patients the mean postoperative pain scores were 4.75 ± 1, where as in group A, it was 3.46 ± 1.5. Internal nasal packing was found to be significantly more painful than nasal septal suturing (p=0.009). Though the mean operating time in Group A was found to be more prolonged than Group B, it was not statistically significant (p=0.167). Synechiae formation was more in group B compared to group A (p=0.042). There were no cases of infection, hematoma and septal perforation among these groups. Conclusion: The use of nasal septal suturing technique is a useful alternative to nasal packing, with only minor increase in operating time.