Comparative study - trans-septal basting suture vs nasal packing after submucoperichondrial resection

To compare the effectiveness of nasal packing vs basting [quilting] suture in the control of postoperative bleeding and or haematoma formation and patient compliance of nasal packing after Submucoperichondrial Resection [SMR]. Comparative clinical trial with stratified randomization. Department CMH Kharian cantt from January, 2006 to March, 2007. A total of 200 patients were included in the study. One hundred cases had basting suture and 100 had nasal packing. Patients requiring other procedures like cautery, submucosal diathermy, turbinectomy and middle meatal antrostomy were excluded. The two groups were compared for postoperative bleeding, septal haematoma formation, discomfort in nose, and general well being. Patients with basting suture were free of any discomfort postoperatively which was seen in cases with nasal packing. The two methods were equally effective in preventing excessive bleeding and septal haematoma formation. We conclude that the basting suture technique avoids the patient from post operative discomfort caused by nasal packing and is equally effective in preventing post operative septal haematoma. As the post-op discomfort is significant in nasal packing we recommend quilting of the mucoperichondrial flaps.

Hearing results of mastoidectomy

Pre-operative and post-operative hearing levels of 105 patients, who underwent radical or modified radical mastoidectomy due to chronic supportive otitis media, were evaluated. Findings in the ear at the time of operation and condition of cavity after six months of operation were recorded. Post operative hearing was assessed at least after six months of surgery. Hearing improved in 29.5% of cases. There was no significant difference in Preoperative and post-operative hearing in 50.5% of cases and hearing worsened in 20% cases. Hearing loss was more in high frequencies. Mean hearing gain was only 4.2 dB