Double-blind randomised controlled trial comparing Merocel with Rapid Rhino nasal packs after routine nasal surgery.
BACKGROUND
Nasal packing after routine nasal surgery is commonly practiced in the UK. The most popular pack appears to be Merocel, however this can be associated with significant pain on its removal.


OBJECTIVE
To test the efficacy of a relatively new nasal pack--the Rapid Rhino Goodman pack--introduced to our department, which claims to reduce pain and bleeding after nasal surgery.


METHODS
Fourteen patients undergoing routine nasal surgery were recruited into a randomised controlled trial. One nasal cavity was packed with a Merocel pack and the other with a Rapid Rhino Goodman pack. Patients were asked to record pain levels on each side using a visual analogue scale.


RESULTS
We found no difference between packs whilst in-situ, with all patients recording low to moderate pain scores. There were significantly higher pain levels associated with Merocel pack removal than with Rapid Rhino pack removal (average pain scores 5.64 vs 1.64, p < 0.001) and less bleeding overall.


CONCLUSIONS
Rapid Rhino (Goodman pack) is associated with significantly less pain on removal than Merocel pack, causes less bleeding and is not more painful whilst in-situ. We therefore recommend its use in routine nasal surgery.
Arya
Arvind Kumar
AK
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Blackpool Fylde and Wyre NHS Trust, Blackpool, Lancashire, England FY3 8NP. ARVIND7@tesco.net
Butt
Omar
O
Nigam
Ajay
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000601:surgery*; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015503:Surgical Sponges / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000592:standards; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom
D006490:Hemostatics; D005557:Formaldehyde; C027490:polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde foam; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol