title: An evaluation of biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam in patients following septoplasty: a prospective randomized trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to examine the usability of biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam (BSPF) after septoplasty by comparing it with Merocel and silicone intranasal splints as packing materials in terms of patient comfort and efficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, unmasked, randomized trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  A tertiary referral center.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was designed to be a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Sixty-eight patients who underwent septoplasty were included in this study. The patients were randomized to receive Merocel, silicone intranasal septal splint (INS), or BSPF after septoplasty. Clinical efficacy on bleeding, pain, and subjective symptoms related to packing materials was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant difference between the Merocel group and the other 2 groups in terms of bleeding and adhesion. The average score on the pain scale was 2.47 ± 1.01 for BSPF, 3.68 ± 1.27 for INS, and 6 ± 2.21 for Merocel. Scores on general satisfaction scales were 6.95 ± 1.42 for Merocel, 8.44 ± 2.12 for INS, and 8.28 ± 1.88 for BSPF.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The efficacy of BSPF was comparable with that of Merocel and INS. Biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam significantly reduced pain and patient discomfort during packing and removal, followed by INS, compared with Merocel.
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Health Sakarya Training and Research Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sakarya, Turkey. yilmazms@gmail.com
authors.forename: Mahmut Sinan
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Yilmaz
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guven
authors.forename: Sultan Sevik
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Elicora
authors.forename: Recep
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kaymaz
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013630:Tampons, Surgical; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011140:Polyurethanes; D005557:Formaldehyde; C027490:polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde foam; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; C028279:polyurethane foam