A randomised prospective trial of trans-septal suturing using a novel device versus nasal packing for septoplasty.
BACKGROUND
Nasal packing or trans-septal sutures are used to prevent postoperative complications in septoplasty. Trans-septal suturing is not commonly used, since it takes time and is technically difficult with the available devices following septoplasty.


METHODS
This study included 64 patients who underwent septoplasty. Following septoplasty, the patients were divided into two groups: group 1 had trans-septal sutures placed using a novel device and group 2 had the nose packed with a tampon. The duration of surgery, postoperative symptoms and complications were compared.


RESULTS
All of the postoperative symptoms were significantly less in the group with trans-septal sutures. The mean duration of surgery was 34.9 minutes in the nasal packing group and 37.8 minutes in the trans-septal suture group, and the difference was significant (p = 0.026). No postoperative bleeding, submucoperichondrial haematomas, infections or abscesses occurred in any of the patients, whilst nasal perforation was observed in one patient in each group. Two (5.4%) patients in group 1 and one (3.7%) patient in group 2 had postoperative adhesions.


CONCLUSIONS
We have developed a simple, inexpensive device for performing trans-septal suturing that is easy to use in the nasal cavity. We conclude that the use of continuous septal suturing with our device is an easy modification of the standard procedure, with only a small increase in operating time.
Korkut
Arzu Y
AY
Otolaryngology Department, Vakif Gureba Training And Research Hospital, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
Teker
Aysenur Meric
AM
Eren
Sabri B
SB
Gedikli
Orhan
O
Askiner
Omer
O
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013630:Tampons, Surgical; D016896:Treatment Outcome