Is nasal septal suturing an alternative technique to nasal packing?: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Nasal septal suturing is a commonly used alternative treatment to nasal packing after septoplasty. Besides alleviating postoperative discomfort, extensive studies have shown that nasal septal suturing is more effective than nasal packing. However, its clinical benefits remain controversial. METHODS: We will perform a systematic review of nasal packings effect-related outcome in comparison to nasal septum suture among septoplasty patients by searching 8 databases, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). All eligible studies will be screened against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers will extract the data. Moreover, Review Manage 5.3 will be used for quality assessment and data analysis. Then, the random effects model or fixed effects model will be applied according to the heterogeneity. In conformity with the GRADE criteria, the merits of the evidence and recommended strength will be assessed. RESULTS: This protocol will guide subsequent systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The differences in efficacy between nasal septal suturing and nasal packing after septoplasty will be evaluated in terms of efficiency, adverse reaction, comfort degree, and other factors. CONCLUSION: This proposed study will explore the possibility of adopting nasal septal suturing as an alternative to nasal packing after septoplasty. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/WF3GX.