The Usefulness of Airway Tube Merocel(R) on Treatment of Nasal Bone Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Nasal packing materials are almost inserted at the end stage of closed reduction of nasal bone for postoperative bleeding control and stabilization of nasal bone. Conventionally, vaseline gauze was used for packing of nasal cavity. These days, Surgeons have tried to apply Merocel(R) into the nasal cavity more easily. It is difficult for patients to continue keeping the nasal packs for more than a week due to breathing difficulty. Moreover, nasal packing itself can also cause headache, dry mouth, stuffiness, etc. METHODS: We performed a prospective study from March 1, 2008 to July 31, 2008. One hundred patients were divided into "Merocel(R) packing group" and "Merocel(R) and Airway Tube Merocel(R) packing group". Using two kinds of materials to each group after closed reduction, we observed and compared the amount of bleeding between two groups. We recorded patient's uncomfortable symptoms which were divided into four groups each 6, 24, 48 hours after nasal packing. RESULTS: The result of the bleeding amount of Air Tube Merocel(R) group after 6 hours of nasal packing is that 3 people belong to mild group, 38 people moderate group, and 9 people severe group. After 6 hours of nasal packing, 11 patients have no complains. 16 patients were mild, 21 patients were moderate, 2 patients were severe. After 24 hours of nasal packing, no complain(18 patients), mild(24 patients), moderate(6 patients), severe(0 patient). After 48 hours of nasal packing, no complain(25 patients), mild(20 patients), moderate(5 patients), severe(0 patient). CONCLUSION: Regarding the amount of bleeding, there are no difference between two groups. In case of Air Tube Merocel(R) group, patient's discomfort is gradually improved after 24 hours of nasal packing, After 48 hours of nasal packing, most of the patients do not experience headache, dry mouth, stuffiness, etc. Therefore, Air Tube Merocel(R) can be useful for bleeding control. Moreover, it helps patients to breathe through nose more easily and reduce discomfort.