A randomized trial of Rapid Rhino Riemann and Telfa nasal packs following endoscopic sinus surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To compare Telfa with the Rapid Rhino Riemann nasal pack for use following endoscopic sinus surgery.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, double-blind, paired trial.


METHODS
Tertiary otolaryngology hospital.


METHODS
Forty-five adult patients undergoing bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery for either chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyps.


METHODS
A visual analogue scale was used to assess discomfort caused by the presence of the packs in the nose and by their removal. The amount of bleeding was noted with the packs in place and following their removal. Crusting and adhesions were assessed 2 and 6 weeks following surgery.


RESULTS
Both packs performed well giving good haemostasis and causing little bleeding on removal. Both packs caused only mild discomfort while in the nose. On the visual analogue scale of 0-10 cm the mean visual analogue score for Rapid Rhino Riemann pack was 1.7 and for Telfa 2.0 (P = 0.371). The Rapid Rhino Riemann pack caused significantly less pain on removal compared with the Telfa pack with a mean visual analogue score of 2.0 in comparison with 3.7 for Telfa (P = 0.001). There were less adhesions with the Rapid Rhino Riemann than Telfa pack but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.102).


CONCLUSIONS
Both Telfa and Rapid Rhino Riemann packs can be recommended as packs that control postoperative haemorrhage, do not cause bleeding on removal and cause little discomfort while in the nose. The Rapid Rhino Riemann pack has the advantage of causing significantly less pain on removal.
Cruise
A S
AS
Department of Rhinology Research Group, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK. mr.andrew.cruise@gmail.com
Amonoo-Kuofi
K
K
Srouji
I
I
Kanagalingam
J
J
Georgalas
C
C
Patel
N N
NN
Badia
L
L
Lund
V J
VJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001458:Bandages; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000601:surgery*; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000601:surgery*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000601:surgery*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000601:surgery*; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome