Analyze and Compare the Pain Level and Complications of Septoplasty with and without Splints and Packing

Aim: The main objective of this study is to analyze and compare the pain level and complications of septoplasty with and without splints and packing.

Methodology: Our study comprised of 100 patients who underwent septoplasty procedure both under general and local anesthesia. They were divided into two groups. One group of 50 patient had splints and packing while the other group of 50 patients had no splints and packing post operatively. Patients were chosen randomly. Children and elderly patients were excluded from the study. Printed proforma was used to compare the result in terms of pain scores and complications. Regular follow-up was done for average six months. The study was approved by ethical review board PUMHSW Nawabshah.

Results: Pain scores were higher in patients with splints and packing both in post-operative period and at the time of removal of splints and packing. There was no significant difference regarding other post operative complications.

Conclusion: It is concluded that pain and discomfort associated with nasal splints and packing does not justify their application in case of certain minor to moderate nasal septal defects undergoing surgery. However when septal surgery is extensive and associated turbinate and framework procedure are done, splints and packing become mandatory in our setup.