The Effect of Nasal Packing Removal on Patients Anxiety

AIM: We aimed to investigate the effect of removal of merocel nasal packings on patients anxiety after septoplasty using Hamilton Anxiety Scale. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total amount of 50 patients who had septoplasty operation in the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic of our hospital were enrolled to the study. Patients anxiety determined using Hamilton Anxiety Scale. The patients anxiety levels were measured before 24 hours before the operation (Group 1), 48 hours after operation before nasal packing removal (Group 2) and 60 minutes after nasal packing removal (Group 3). RESULTS: Patients were evaluated according to the Hamilton Anxiety Scale; in Group 1 15.3 ± 7.2, 19.3 ± 7 in Group 2, 14.6 ± 6,5 in Group 3 was measured. CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference between Groups 1 and 3. There is a statistically significant difference on patients anxiety levels 48 hours after operation before nasal packing removal (p<0.001). There is an statistically significant increase of patients anxiety before packing removal. We recommend using soluble packings or sewing techniques without nasal packings after septoplasty because of patient comfort after operation.