The Usefulness of Latex-covered Merocel(R) Packing in Septal Surgery.
- Author:
Ji Hyun CHUNG
1
;
Seung Youp SHIN
;
Kun Hee LEE
;
Joong Saeng CHO
;
Sung Wan KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea. khuent@khmc.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
Nasal packing;
Latex-covered Merocel(R);
Pain
- MeSH:
Hemorrhage;
Hemostasis;
Humans;
Nasal Surgical Procedures;
Prospective Studies
- From:Journal of Rhinology
2012;19(2):96-100
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nasal packing after nasal surgery is commonly practiced. Merocel(R) is one of the most popular packing material, however it can be associated with significant pain and bleeding on its removal. A prospective study was performed to compare the efficacy and patient tolerance of Merocel(R) and newly designed Latex-covered Merocel(R) (LCM). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty patients underwent septoplasty for septal deviation. Following septoplasty, the patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 patients each who underwent insertion of either Merocel(R) or LCM. Patients were asked to record pain levels using a visual analogue scale(VAS) before and after packing removal, and number of analgesic injection were recorded. Resistance and amount of bleeding on packing removal were also recorded. RESULTS: Both nasal packs effectively prevented post-operative bleeding. However the VAS score for nasal pain and numbers of analgesic use before and after packing removal were significantly lower in the LCM group. LCM was removed more smoothly causing significantly less amount of bleeding on removal. CONCLUSION: LCM provides good post-operative hemostasis and its removal is less traumatic and painful for the patients, therefore improving patient's comfort.
