Comparison of complete nasal packing with and without integrated airways

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of nasal packing using a Nasopore nasal packing with and without an airway tube on postoperative pain, SpO(2), nasal obstruction, and difficulty in breathing complaints. METHODS: This comparative study was conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), DMC Civil Hospital Karachi between September 18, 2021, to May 19, 2022. A total of 70 patients who underwent septoplasty for septal deviation and chronic hypertrophic rhinitis were equally divided into two groups. Group-A patients received nasal packing using a Nasopore nasal packing with an airway tube, and Group-B patients received nasal packing using a Nasopore nasal packing without an airway tube. Post-operation Nasal pain sensations were measured using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale at 2 and 12 hours. SpO(2) was measured at 30 minutes pre-operatively with an O(2) saturation monitor and 12 hours post-operatively during sleep. RESULTS: The postoperative pain at two hours and 12 hours was compared between the two groups, and a significant difference was observed. In Group-A, the average SpO(2) decreased > 4% from baseline in 5.7% patients, and 37% in Group-B. A significant difference was observed in the severity of nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing, P-value < 0.05. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that septoplasty followed by applying nasal packing with integrated airway reduces postoperative pain and improves oxygen saturation compared to nasal packing without integrated airways.