EFFECTS OF NASAL PACKING ON THE QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE PROPERTIES OF TEAR FLUID AFTER SEPTOPLASTY
1Bozyaka EAH, KBB Kliniği, İzmir, Türkiye2Bozyaka EAH, Göz Kliniği, İzmir, Türkiye
3Sivas Devlet Hastanesi, KBB Kliniği, Sivas, Türkiye Introduction: Septoplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in otorhinolaryngology practice and is usually ended with nasal packing. Although nasal packing after septoplasty has a wide acceptance among rhinologists, various complications may occur due to packing itself.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 13 patients who underwent septoplasty due to nasal septal deviation. Following surgery, patients were randomly divided into two groups, one with nasal packing (group 1, n=6) and other with trans septal suturing (group 2, n=7). The same ophthalmologist evaluated all patients during the preoperative first visit and at postoperative 48th hour by performing Schirmer test and tear break up time (BUT) measurement in order to record the quantitative and qualitative properties of tear fluid respectively.
Findings: The difference between pre and postoperative mean Shirmer's values was comparable between the groups for both sides. (p>0.05) The difference between pre and postoperative mean BUT was comparable between the groups for both sides. (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Nasal packing after septoplasty is a controversial procedure in otorhinolaryngology practice. Trans septal suturing is introduced as a more safe and comfortable alternative to nasal packing by most of the surgeons. This study showed that nasal packing after septoplasty does not have any negative effect on nasolacrimal drainage system and tear fluid dynamics of the patients.
Keywords : Septoplasty, nasal packing, tear fluid, Schirmer test, tear break up time