Comparison of septoplasty with and without nasal packing and review of literature.

Septoplasty is routinely performed for symptomatic deviated nasal septum. The most unpleasant part of this procedure is the pain during removal of nasal pack. The objective of this study was to compare the results of septoplasty with and without post-operative nasal packing and thereby assess the necessity of nasal packing after septoplasty. This descriptive study was carried out in ENT Department of D.Y. Patil Hospital, Kolhapur. 50 patients between the age groups of 18-50 years, having symptomatic deviated septum were selected. Out of which 25 patients underwent septoplasty with packing and 25 patients underwent septoplasty without packing with quilting sutures taken on the septum. Patients who underwent septoplasty without packing, experienced less pain and bleeding was minimal. Only one patient developed septal hematoma postoperatively. All the patients were satisfied at the end of 3 months. Simple DNS can be safely treated with septoplasty without Anterior Nasal Packing and by taking Quilting sutures on the septum. The sutures are also useful for closing any inadvertent tears of the septal mucosa and providing additional support for the cartilage pieces retained in septoplasty. Nasal packing should be should be reserved only for the patients with increased risk of bleeding.