Double-blind randomised controlled trial comparing Merocel with Rapid Rhino nasal packs after routine nasal surgery

INTRODUCTION: Nasal packing after routine nasal surgery is commonly practiced in the UK. The most popular pack appears to be Merocel, however this can be associated with significant pain on its removal. AIM: To test the efficacy of a relatively new nasal pack--the Rapid Rhino Goodman pack--introduced to our department, which claims to reduce pain and bleeding after nasal surgery. METHODS: Fourteen patients undergoing routine nasal surgery were recruited into a randomised controlled trial. One nasal cavity was packed with a Merocel pack and the other with a Rapid Rhino Goodman pack. Patients were asked to record pain levels on each side using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: We found no difference between packs whilst in-situ, with all patients recording low to moderate pain scores. There were significantly higher pain levels associated with Merocel pack removal than with Rapid Rhino pack removal (average pain scores 5.64 vs 1.64, p < 0.001) and less bleeding overall. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid Rhino (Goodman pack) is associated with significantly less pain on removal than Merocel pack, causes less bleeding and is not more painful whilst in-situ. We therefore recommend its use in routine nasal surgery.