Postoperative pain with or without nasal splints after septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction

PurposeTo determine the effect of intranasal Doyle splints on postoperative pain following septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction (ITR). Changes in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores were also evaluated.Materials and methodsA prospective cohort study conducted from January 2017 to January 2019. Patients were recruited if they experienced nasal obstruction due to septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy, and failed a one-month trial of intranasal corticosteroids. All patients underwent septoplasty with ITR, and either had Doyle splints or no splints placed. Patients were prescribed hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5–325 mg and asked to keep a daily log of pain medication use and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Pain logs and NOSE scores were compared between patients who had splints versus patients who had no splints placed after septoplasty and ITR over the first postoperative week. NOSE scores were also collected at every postoperative visit (1 week, 1 month, and 6 months).ResultsFifty-seven patients were enrolled (37 splints, 20 no-splints). The median postoperative pain VAS score was 3.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0–5.0) for the splint group and 4.0 (IQR 2.0–5.0) for the no-splint group (P = 0.906). The median postoperative pain medication requirement in morphine equivalents at the first postoperative visit was 5.4 mg/day (IQR 2.0–13.3) for the splint group and 8.4 mg/day (IQR 1.8–15.3) for the no-splint group (P = 0.833).ConclusionsThere were no statistically significant differences in postoperative pain VAS scores or pain medication use between the two groups. All patients experienced significant reductions in NOSE scores postoperatively.     

Nasal septum suture combined with inferior turbinate coblation after septoplasty: Does it improve quality of life and reduce complications?

ObjectiveNasal packing is routinely applied after septoplasty. Patients, however, report feeling very uncomfortable while the packing is in place. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of nasal septum suture combined with inferior turbinate coblation to the effects of nasal packing after septoplasty.MethodsIn this study, 135 patients undergoing septoplasty were divided into 3 groups: group 1 patients had microdebrider with packing, group 2 received coblation with packing and group 3 had coblation with suture. Early postoperative quality of life and complications were compared between the 3 groups.ResultsThe patients in group 1 experienced the most postoperative nasal pain, headache, dysphagia, sleep disturbance and bleeding on the night of surgery; while the patients in group 3 experienced the fewest symptoms. No difference in epiphora was observed between the 3 groups. More pain and bleeding were experienced when comparing the pack removal (Group 1 and 2) with the clearance of the nasal cavity (Group 3). We noted one case of postoperative bleeding in group 1, one septal hematoma in group 1 and a second septal hematoma in group 2. No such postoperative complications were found in group 3.ConclusionNasal septum suture combined with inferior turbinate coblation was not only associated with less pain, increased patient satisfaction and an improved quality of life; but also reduced postoperative complications. Our results confirm that it is a more comfortable, reliable alternative to the more common nasal packing.     

Effect of single-dose intravenous tranexamic acid on postoperative nasal bleed in septoplasty

ObjectivePostoperative nasal bleeding is a common complication of septoplasty and may lead to painful procedure of nasal packing to stop bleeding. Since Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been reported to reduce bleeding, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of single dose of intravenous TXA on postoperative nasal bleed associated with septoplasty.Materials and methodsThis prospective randomized, double-blinded clinical trial consisted of 176 patients aged 18–55 years who underwent septoplasty for symptomatic deviated nasal septum. These participants were randomly divided into 2 groups; 88 patients were given normal saline (Control group) and 88 patients were administered a single shot of intravenous TXA 10 mg/kg (TXA group). Operative technique applied was same in all cases. At the end of surgery nasal packs, nasal splints or trans-septal suturing were not done. Nasal bleeding was monitored after surgery and up to 2 weeks postoperatively.ResultsPatients receiving TXA showed significantly less postoperative nasal bleeding compared with controls. Extensive bleeding in terms of number of gauze pads used and duration was also higher in placebo with a statistically significant difference (all P = < 0.05). Seven patients required nasal packing in control group to stop bleeding as compared to one patient in TXA group. Adverse reactions to TXA were minimal, and these were easily managed conservatively.ConclusionSingle intravenous dose of TXA is shown to be effective and safe agent in preventing postoperative nasal bleeding after septoplasty therefore avoiding additional techniques of nasal packing, intranasal splint or trans-septal suturing during surgery.     

Efficacy of nasal septal splints for preventing complications after septoplasty: A meta-analysis

BackgroundThe efficacy of nasal septal splints, which are used as alternatives to nasal packs for preventing complications such as synechia and maintaining septal stability after septoplasty, remains controversial. The present meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of nasal septal splints used after septoplasty.MethodsPubMed and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched until June 20, 2019. Randomized controlled trials or cohort or case–control studies comparing patients who received nasal septal splints with those who did not receive splints after septoplasty were included. Primary outcomes included postoperative pain, infection, bleeding, hematoma formation, synechia, and perforation. Random effects models were used to calculate risk differences and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThirty-three eligible studies were included. The estimated rate of synechia was significantly lower in the splint group (0.037, 95% CI 0.024–0.056) than in the no splint group (0.087, 95% CI 0.055–0.135; P = 0.003), while visual analog scale scores for pain and the estimated rates of infection, bleeding, hematoma, and perforation were comparable between groups.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the use of nasal septal splints as alternatives or in addition to nasal packing prevent synechia after septoplasty without increasing other complications, including pain, thus adding to evidence supporting the use of septal splints, particularly in cases where postoperative synechia is expected.     

改良鼻中隔缝合联合等离子下鼻甲消融在鼻中隔偏曲矫正术中的选择性应用

目的 鼻中隔偏曲矫正术后使用改良鼻中隔缝合技术,等离子消融下鼻甲,术后不填塞鼻腔,比较其与传统方法的疗效.方法 80例行鼻中隔偏曲矫正术患者分为填塞组和缝合组,行鼻中隔矫正术后,填塞组吸切钻切削下鼻甲后行鼻腔填塞,缝合组行改良鼻中隔缝合、等离子消融下鼻甲,无填塞.比较两组患者术后症状、体征评分.结果 填塞组在手术后鼻部...     

Nasal polyps in the olfactory cleft

Objectives: Nasal polyps frequently arise from the middle meatus in patients with nasal polyposis, but caution is required when polyps are seen protruding from the olfactory cleft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a method to achieve effective and safe access to the olfactory cleft, and to determine the actual incidence of polyps arising from the olfactory cleft in patients with nasal polyposis. Patients: Eighty-four patients with bilateral or unilateral nasal polyps (n = 143) ranging in age from 16 to 72 years underwent endoscopic sinus surgery in the period from January 1994 to December 1996. Methods: To observe and gain access to the olfactory cleft, septoplasty combined with endoscopic sinus surgery was needed in patients with nasal polyposis. Results: The endoscopy during the combined septoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery revealed that 36.4% (n = 52) of bilateral or unilateral nasal polyps (n = 143) arose from the olfactory cleft. Of 52 polyps of olfactory cleft origin, 45 (86.5%) arose from the superior turbinate and/or superior meatus, 32 (67.3%) from the medial side of the middle turbinate, 24 (46.2%) from the anterior face of the sphenoid sinus, and 17 (32.7%) from the mucosa of the nasal septum. Conclusions: These findings suggest that for surgeries of nasal polyposis an approach to the olfactory cleft as well as to the middle meatus is required.     

Turbinate loss from non-inflammatory sinonasal surgery does not correlate with poor sinonasal function

ObjectiveThe impact of turbinate resection on nasal function remains a controversial topic. In surgery for inflammatory sinonasal disease, turbinate resection is often avoided. In contrast, turbinate tissue is routinely sacrificed in endoscopic tumor and skull base surgery to achieve negative margins or gain adequate exposure. Anecdotally, these patients experience good self-reported post-operative nasal function despite extensive turbinate tissue loss. This study investigates the impact of turbinate resection on self-reported sinonasal function following endoscopic tumor or skull base surgery.Study designRetrospective case series.SettingTertiary Australian Hospitals.Subjects and methodsA retrospective review was performed on consecutive post-surgical patients after management for non-inflammatory sinus disease such as tumor resection or endoscopic skull base reconstruction. Outcome variables assessed included a 6-point Likert score for nasal obstruction, a 13-point Likert score for global nasal function and a 5-question sleep score. The degree of turbinate tissue loss (0–4) was determined by the number of inferior or middle turbinate subtotal resections.Regression analysis was performed, accounting for the effect of relevant demographic variables (smoking; asthma; allergic status; gastroesophageal reflux; malignancy; vestibule mucositis) and treatment variables (subtotal septectomy; Draf III; nasal radiotherapy.)Results294 patients (age 52.9 ± 17.6 years, 51.0% female) were assessed. Number of turbinates resected was not associated with poorer nasal obstruction score, global nasal function score or sleep score (OR = 1.77[0.93–3.38], OR = 0.60[0.33–1.12], B = 0.56[−1.58–2.69] respectively). Allergy and Draf3 were found to improve postoperative global nasal function score (OR = 2.07[1.04–4.13], P = 0.04, OR = 3.97[1.08–14.49], P = 0.04, respectively).ConclusionIn patients where surgery was performed for non-inflammatory sinus disease, turbinate resection is not correlated with poorer postoperative nasal obstruction, sinonasal function nor sleep quality.     

Early clinical outcomes of ınferior turbinate radiofrequency and lateralization combined with septoplasty

IntroductionMechanical obstruction is the most common form of nasal obstruction. Among the types of mechanical obstructions, septum deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy are the most prevalent.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the early clinical outcomes of inferior turbinate radiofrequency and inferior turbinate lateralization combined with septoplasty in the treatment of nasal obstruction symptoms.MethodsThe research retrospectively evaluated data from 33 patients (24 male, nine female) undergoing septoplasty and inferior turbinate radiofrequency (RF group) and 32 patients (24 male, eight female) treated with septoplasty and inferior turbinate lateralization (LAT group), who were admitted, with complaints of nasal obstruction, to the University of Health Sciences, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, between January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018. The patients’ preoperative and 6-month postoperative symptoms were evaluated via the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, the NOSE scale.ResultsThe mean preoperative NOSE scores were 10.3 ± 4.2 in the RF group and 10.9 ± 4.9 in the LAT group, and the mean six-month postoperative scores were 1.09 ± 1.3 in the RF group and 1.2 ± 1.3 in the LAT group. There was no significant difference in NOSE scores between the two groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe data obtained in this study show that both methods result in similar outcomes in terms of relieving nasal obstruction symptoms in patients requiring inferior turbinate intervention. Therefore, the researchers believe that, in each case, the intervention method should be selected at the discretion of the patient and surgeon(s).     

Influence of surface properties of Merocel® (polyvinyl acetal) and silicone nasal splints on biofilm formation

The objective of the study was to investigate biofilm formation on Merocel^® and silicone nasal splint after nasal septal surgery. 50 patients who were scheduled to undergo nasal septal surgery were included in this study. The patients were randomized into receiving an insert of Merocel^® or silicone splint after septoplasty. In group 1 (8 females, 17 males) and group 2 (10 females, 15 males), Merocel ^® packs or silicone splints were inserted into nasal cavities at the end of the procedures, respectively. All packs were removed 48 h after insertion, and samples were taken from the packs under sterilized conditions. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to observe biofilm formation on the surfaces of Merocel^® and silicone splints. Biofilm formation was observed in 25 (100 %) and 3 (12 %) of the Merocel^® and silicone splint samples, respectively. Our study revealed that biofilm formation on Merocel^® packs is significantly higher than silicone splints, mainly due to the different texture and surface properties of these materials. Considering the hazardous effects of biofilm formation on humans, our observations in this study may guide surgeons to choose the most appropriate packing material after nasal septal surgery.     

Comparación entre una sutura transfixiante y el taponamiento nasal en la septoplastia y turbinoplastia

IntroductionThere is a lack of consensus regarding the need for nasal packing after a septoplasty. The use of nasal packing has been proposed to reduce bleeding, synechiae and haematomas. Despite these advantages evidence is scant to support postoperative packing. Furthermore, packing is not an innocuous procedure and can cause complications.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of quilting sutures compared with sponge nasal packing on haemostasis, haematomas and wound healing following septoplasty.Material and methodsSeventy-six patients with nasal septum deviation requiring septoplasty and turbinoplasy with radiofrequency were included. Following surgery, fifty patients were selected randomly for septoplasty with one quilting suture. And twenty-six patients had sponge nasal packing. Haemostatic properties, formation of haematomas, formation of synechiae, the patients’ pain and bleeding on removal of the packing were evaluated.ResultsBoth techniques were equally effective in the control of postoperative bleeding, haematoma and synechiae formation following septoplasty. Sponge packing was associated with significant pain and bleeding on removal.ConclusionThe use of quilting sutures like sponge packing is efficient in controlling bleeding, synechiae and haematomas after septoplasty and turbinoplasty.     

内窥镜鼻窦手术术腔填塞方法及填塞物的选择

为探讨内窥镜鼻窦手术术腔不填塞法或填塞法或填塞法中应用不同填塞物的临床效果，对７６９例ＥＳＳ患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。显示：术腔创面未涉及到中鼻甲，下鼻甲和鼻中隔者可选用不填塞法；否则采用不同填塞物填塞术腔。二者均可将术后出血控制在安全范围内。但是为了减轻患者术后痛苦和术腔反应，建议尽量选择不填塞法，如采用填塞法应选用可吸收性止血纱布行创面敷填塞。     

A randomised trial comparing the subjective outcomes following septoplasty with or without inferior turbinoplasty

AimsThe surgical management of contralateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy in patients with deviated nasal septum is controversial. In this randomised clinical trial, we aimed to investigate the subjective improvement of nasal symptoms postoperatively in patients undergoing septoplasty with or without inferior turbinoplasty.Material and methodsOne hundred and thirty-seven patients with nasal obstruction, who had unilateral septal deviation and compensatory contralateral inferior turbinate enlargement, were randomised into either septoplasty alone arm (n = 66) or septoplasty combined with turbinoplasty arm (n = 71). Preoperative symptom scores and the subjective perception of the nasal obstruction were compared between two groups of the study using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (NOSE) and Visual analog scale (VAS) respectively. The measurements were repeated 6 months after surgery as well as at 1, 2, and 4 years postoperatively.ResultsWith regard to the findings obtained from both scales, both interventions successfully relieved the patients’ complaints of nasal obstruction at almost all postoperative visits when compared with the baseline measurements (P ˂ 0.005 for most comparisons). However, the relief of nasal obstruction was more pronounced in patients undergoing combined intervention at all postoperative visits, except at the 1st follow-up session (P ˂ 0.005). Nasal symptoms of septoplasty alone group began to deteriorate over the period between month 24 and month 48. In contrast, patients undergoing the combined surgery steadily showed symptomatic improvement over the whole period of study.ConclusionsA turbinate reduction surgery should be conducted along with septoplasty to achieve better results in cases suffering from deviated nasal septum with concomitant hypertrophied inferior turbinate.     

Clinical value of bacteriological examinations of nasal and paranasal mucosa in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

Introduction. In the literature, contradictory statements regarding the physiological flora of the nose and paranasal sinuses, the role of aerobic and anaerobic ‘pathogenic’ bacteria, and the influence of the sample technique and location can be found. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of bacteriological examinations of the nasal and paranasal mucosa in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods. Patients with and without chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or a septoplasty were examined. Nasal brushes of the inferior turbinate and mucosal biopsies of the middle turbinate were taken in both groups. Mucosal biopsies of the ethmoidal bulla and maxillary sinus were taken in only the chronic rhinosinusitis group. Results. In both groups, coagulase‐negative Staphylococci were found in all samples. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 22% (middle turbinate) and 33% (inferior turbinate) of all samples in the control group and in 33% (maxillary sinus) and 50% (inferior turbinate) in the patient group. Other aerobic bacteria were found in low percentages in both groups. No strictly anaerobic bacteria and no significant differences between both groups and the different samples were found. Conclusions. A differentiation between patients with and without chronic sinusitis was not possible.     

鼻中隔缝合与鼻腔填塞在鼻中隔偏曲矫正术中的效果比较

目的:对比鼻中隔偏曲矫正术后常规的鼻腔填塞和鼻中隔缝合而不填塞鼻腔2种方法,试图找到一种鼻中隔术后无需鼻腔填塞的方法。方法:将80例行鼻中隔偏曲矫正和下鼻甲部分切除的患者分为填塞组和缝合组,填塞组40例常规行鼻中隔矫正,等离子消融肥大的下鼻甲,最后鼻腔填塞膨胀海绵;缝合组40例在鼻中隔偏曲矫正术后行鼻中隔缝合(参考Wormald的鼻中隔连续缝合方法并进行改良),对肥大的下鼻甲使用等离子射频消融系统进行消融,术后双侧鼻腔无其他填塞物。比较2组患者在术后鼻部疼痛、头疼、流泪、吞咽困难、睡眠困难、出血以及在抽取鼻腔填塞物时的疼痛和出血的VAS评分,术后门诊随访时记录患者有无再次出现出血、鼻中隔穿孔、鼻中隔血肿、粘连、局部感染等情况。结果:在术后鼻部疼痛、头疼、吞咽困难、睡眠困难、出血这5个方面,填塞组的VAS评分均值均大于缝合组(P<0.01),在流泪方面2组差异无统计学意义,而术后填塞组抽取填塞物时的疼痛感及出血量远远大于缝合组清理鼻腔时的疼痛感和出血量(P<0.01),填塞组术后1例出现中隔血肿,而等离子缝合组未出现。结论:鼻中隔缝合使得鼻中隔偏曲矫正术术后不填塞成为可能,患者术后出血少、痛苦极小,也避免了鼻中...     

鼻内镜下中鼻甲功能性部分切除治疗慢性鼻窦炎76例分析

目的 观察鼻内镜手术中鼻甲功能性部分切除对于有中鼻甲病变的慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者的疗效。 方法 2014年1月至2017年1月收治的76例慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者行功能性鼻内镜手术。依中鼻甲有无病变及是否行中鼻甲切除分为观察组(n=38)与对照组(n=38),观察两组手术时间、疗效、中鼻甲粘连和术后主观症状评分。 结果 观察组手术时间为(50.53±6.25)min、对照组为(58.11±6.09)min,差异有统计学意义(t=5.355, P<0.001);术后随访6个月,两组患者治疗有效率均为100%,其中对照组的治愈率为78.95%(30/38),观察组为81.58%(31/38),差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);术后中鼻甲粘连率(χ2=4.155, P=0.042)和主观症状评分差异有统计学意义(Z=3.68, P=0.031)。 结论 对有中鼻甲病变的慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者实施鼻内镜手术时行功能性部分中鼻甲切除,能明显缩短患者手术时间、减少中鼻甲粘连率、改善患者的主观症状。     

Toxic shock syndrome following septoplasty using plastic septal splints

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is an acute multisystem disease that has been recognized to occur in a variety of clinical settings. Postoperative TSS has been described following nasal surgery associated with the use of postoperative nasal packing. We report a case of classic TSS following septoplasty where intranasal splints without nasal packing were used. Recommendations for prevention of TSS associated with nasal surgery are presented.     

鼻内镜下等离子射频鼻后神经切断术治疗中重度变应性鼻炎疗效观察

目的 探讨鼻内镜下等离子射频行鼻后神经切断治疗中重度持续性变应性鼻炎的疗效。方法 2015年1月—2018年1月收治中重度变应性鼻炎合并下鼻甲肥大患者80例,其中46例同时合并有鼻中隔偏曲,所有患者应用等离子射频行鼻后神经切断术,同时行下鼻甲成形术;对46例合并鼻中隔偏曲患者行鼻中隔矫正术,观察手术前后变应性鼻炎症状改善情况。结果 术后经随访1年有效率100%,2年有效率95%,3年有效率88.75%,患者术后1、2、3年VAS总评分均比术前明显好转,3年内随着年限延长,治疗有效率逐年下降,VAS总评分逐年上升（P<0.05）。结论 鼻内镜下等离子射频行鼻后神经切断联合鼻中隔矫正及下鼻甲成形术治疗中重度变应性鼻炎疗效确切,长期效果仍需要进一步研究。     

鼻内窥镜手术的中鼻甲处理

探讨鼻内窥镜手术中鼻甲部分切除和保留中鼻甲与预后的关系。方法４０例双侧慢性窦炎鼻息肉患者,在鼻内窥镜手术中１侧切除术中鼻甲,另侧保留中鼻甲,观察术后鼻腔清理时间,粘连情况和手术前后觉变化。     

Septoplasty with or without postoperative nasal packing? Prospective study

Anterior nasal packing is carried out in a number of nasal surgeries, especially in septoplasty. However, it is not an innocuous procedure and for this its benefit has been challenged.ObjectiveTo assess the need for anterior nasal packing and the quality of life of patients submitted to septoplasty.MethodPatients submitted to septoplasty with or without inferior turbinoplasty were randomized to receive or not anterior nasal packing postoperatively. We recorded and compared postoperative data (pain and bleeding). Quality of life was assessed before and after surgery. This is a randomized prospective study.ResultsWe had 73 patients (37 packed and 36 who did not receive a nasal packing) with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Patients with nasal packing complained more of nasal pain and headache in the immediate postoperative period. Of these patients, 75.7% reported moderate/intense pain upon nasal packing removal. Bleeding was more frequent in those patients who did not receive a nasal packing, and only 1 patient required packing. All the patients enjoyed an improvement in quality of life.ConclusionSeptoplasty improves the quality of life of patients with septal deviation and nasal obstruction. Routine use of anterior nasal packing should be challenged for not presenting proven benefit.     

改良中鼻甲部分切除术在功能性鼻内镜手术中的应用

目的探讨改良中鼻甲部分切除术在功能性鼻内镜手术中的应用及其对慢性鼻窦炎症状改善和疗效的影响。方法选择中鼻甲垂直部长度≥25mm的慢性鼻窦炎患者60例,随机分为试验组和对照组,各30例。两组患者术前各项观察指标（鼻塞、流涕、头痛、嗅觉VAS评分,鼻内镜检查Lund Kennedy评分、CT Lund Mackey评分）差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。试验组实施经鼻内镜鼻窦、鼻息肉手术并清除中鼻甲本身病变（泡甲、肥厚、息肉样变等）后,根据CT测量结果,以保留中鼻甲垂直部长度约21mm为参考值,切除多余的中鼻甲垂直部游离缘（即切除长度＝CT测量长度-21 mm）;对照组完成鼻窦、鼻息肉手术,按传统理念处理中鼻甲病变和变异,需要时切除中鼻甲前下部1/2~2/3。术后随访10~12个月,观察主观症状（鼻塞、流涕、头面痛及嗅觉障碍）、内镜检查Lund Kennedy评分、病情控制及疗效。结果两组术后各种症状VAS评分和内镜Lund Kennedy评分均明显优于术前（P均<0.05）;术后试验组的各项观察指标及总疗效均优于对照组,两组鼻塞及头痛的改善、鼻内镜Lund Kennedy评分及疗效差异具有统计学意义（P均<0.05）;而流涕、嗅觉改善方面,两组差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉、鼻窦炎伴中鼻甲病变者,试验组的疗效优于对照组（P<0.05）。结论“改良部分切除”主要针对过长的中鼻甲垂直部,必须是在处理中鼻甲病变（泡甲、肥厚、息肉样变等）、保证中鼻道一定宽度后才予切除,有助于术后鼻部症状的改善和减少术腔粘连,提高鼻内镜手术疗效。