RESUMEN
Aim the study was carried out to evaluate the necessity of nasal packing following septoplasty
Methods: This observational study of 60 cases was carried out at the Department of ENT, Shaikh Zayed Federal Postgraduate Medical Institute and Hospital, Lahore from September 2008 to March 2009. Group A contained patients with nasal packing. Group B contained patients without nasal packing
Results: The incidence of headache in group A was very high as compared to group B. 90% patients in group A had headache as compared to 20% patients in group B [p<0.001] The incidence of sleep disturbance in group A was very high as compared to group B. 24 [80%] patients in group A had sleep disturbance as compared to 4 [13.3%] patients in group B [p<0.001] The incidence of hemorrhage following septoplasty was low in both groups. Only 2 [6.6%] patients developed hemorrhage in group B. It was not found in group A [0%]. The incidence of septal hematoma following septoplasty was low in both groups. Only 2 [6.6%] patients in group A developed septal hematoma and required incision and drainage, as compared to 0 [0%] patients in group B
Conclusion: Nasal packing is not necessary in each post operative patient of septoplasty