Role and outcome of topical middle meatal packing in endoscopic sinus surgery

ABSTRACT

Middle meatal packing is necessary following endoscopic sinus surgery [ESS] in order to control bleeding, as a stent to prevent lateralization of the middle turbinate, and as a sealant to control accumulation of mucous or blood within the ethmoidal cavity. Various forms of middle meatal packs [MMP] have been used whether absorbable or non-absorbable. This study was conducted upon a series of patients who have undergone ESS by the authors at the Hearing and Speech Institute and EL-Sahel Teaching Hospital in the period between December 2002 and December 2004. Different forms of MMP were used as Gelfoam, Rapid-Rhino, Bio-tulle [Su-fratulle], Surgicel as absorbable packs and Merocel as nonabsorba-ble packs. The aim of this study is to discuss the rationale for selection of these products