Our Summary

This study looks at the use of non-absorbable nasal packs after a type of nose surgery called septoplasty which is commonly done to correct a deviated nasal septum. The researchers surveyed ear, nose, and throat doctors in Kuwait to get their views on this practice.

They found that many of the doctors they surveyed usually use something called silastic splints after surgery to prevent complications like bleeding. Some doctors use a procedure called quilting sutures, and some use non-absorbable nasal packs. Two doctors felt that no specific action was needed after surgery.

Most of the doctors said they used nasal packs if there was bleeding during the operation. Only a few felt it was necessary only in cases where there were factors that made bleeding more likely.

The majority of doctors agreed that using nasal packs can cause pain and discomfort and half believed it could cause instability in the patient’s vital signs. Many also felt that the use of quilting or trans-septal sutures could replace the use of nasal packs safely after surgery.

The doctors’ awareness of new information on complications related to nasal packing varied, with just over half being up to date.

The study concludes that there are differing opinions among ear, nose, and throat doctors in Kuwait on the use of nasal packing following septoplasty. More research is needed to establish guidelines for this common procedure.

FAQs

  1. What is the common practice among ear, nose, and throat doctors in Kuwait after performing a septoplasty surgery?
  2. What are the potential complications of using non-absorbable nasal packs after a septoplasty?
  3. Are there alternative methods to using non-absorbable nasal packs after a septoplasty and what are the doctors’ views on these alternatives?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about septoplasty is to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully, including any recommendations regarding the use of nasal packs or other methods to prevent complications. It is important to communicate any concerns or discomfort with your doctor so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those who have a deviated nasal septum, which can cause difficulty breathing, chronic sinus infections, nosebleeds, and snoring. Septoplasty is often recommended when conservative treatments such as medications or nasal sprays do not provide relief. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and medical history with their healthcare provider to determine if septoplasty is the right course of treatment for them.

Timeline

Before septoplasty:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of a deviated nasal septum such as difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, and sinus infections.
  • Patient consults with an ear, nose, and throat doctor for evaluation and diagnosis.
  • Doctor recommends septoplasty as a treatment option to correct the deviated septum.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for surgery.

After septoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery to correct the deviated nasal septum.
  • In some cases, non-absorbable nasal packs are used to prevent complications such as bleeding.
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort post-surgery.
  • Patient may have follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor healing and recovery.
  • Patient may need to follow specific post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities and keeping the nasal area clean and dry.
  • Patient may experience improved breathing and reduced symptoms of a deviated septum after the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about septoplasty include:

  1. Will nasal packing be used after my septoplasty surgery? If so, what type of nasal packing will be used?
  2. What are the potential complications or side effects associated with using nasal packing after septoplasty?
  3. Are there alternative methods to nasal packing that can be used to prevent complications like bleeding after surgery?
  4. How long will the nasal packing need to stay in place after the surgery?
  5. What should I expect in terms of pain and discomfort associated with nasal packing after septoplasty?
  6. Are there any specific factors in my case that make the use of nasal packing more or less necessary?
  7. How will I be monitored for any potential complications related to nasal packing after the surgery?
  8. Are there any new guidelines or research findings on the use of nasal packing after septoplasty that I should be aware of?
  9. How can I best manage any pain or discomfort associated with nasal packing after the surgery?
  10. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications related to the nasal packing after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Alghanem B, Almotairi N, Alrasheedi A. Journal: Cureus. 2024 Feb 22;16(2):e54691. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54691. eCollection 2024 Feb. PMID: 38523933