An Airway Tube for Minimizing Nasal Obstruction Following Intranasal Packing

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nasal packing after nasal surgery is commonly practiced for various purposes including hemostasis, stabilization of nasal structure, and synechia prevention. However, the use of nasal packing has led to the development of uncomfortable symptoms such as nasal obstruction. In this study, therefore, we have devised a new method of nasal packing involving the use of an airway tube for reducing nasal obstruction and discomforts in association with post-surgical nasal obstruction. Materials and METHODS: An airway tube was made by cutting the distal end of a 1cc syringe. It was inserted between the nasal septum and the packing material. Nasal cavities of 20 patients (Group 1) who underwent nasal surgery were packed using packing materials and the devised airway tubes following nasal surgery. We evaluated the symptoms of nasal obstruction after the postoperative nasal packing in this study group and compared them with those of the 20 patients (Group 2) who received packing with existing merocel nasal stents and 20 patients (Group 3) who were given packing with only merocel without airway tubes after nasal surgery. RESULT: In this study, nasal obstruction and discomforts in association with post-surgical nasal obstruction were significantly improved among patients given packing material and devised airway tubes (Group 1) comparative to other patient groups. CONCLUSION: Devised airway tube is useful in minimizing the symptoms of nasal obstruction and discomforts as well as in reducing surgical expense.