Abstract

Aims: To investigate the effect of unilateral nasal packing on the correction of recurred septal deviation after septoplasty.
Materials and Methods: Twelve patients who had undergone septoplasty and developed septal deviation recurrence. Polyvinylacetate and Vaseline gauze were inserted into the nasal passage on the convex side of the septum for 4 days in order to shift the septum to the midline. We analyzed nasal symptoms, acoustic rhinometric results, and endoscopic findings before and after unilateral packing in order to evaluate the treatment outcomes.
Results:Ten (83%) out of 12 patients showed improvements in nasal obstruction, acoustic rhinometric results and endoscopic findings. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score for nasal obstruction was 5.25 ± 1.60 before and 2.08 ± 1.50 after packing (p = 0.004). The minimal cross-section area (MCA) values improved from 0.17 ± 0.14 to 0.27 ± 0.13 (p = 0.002). The mean endoscopic score also improved from 2.0 ± 0.43 to 1.08 ± 0.29 (p = 0.002).
Conclusion: Unilateral nasal packing was a safe, easy, and effective method for correcting recurred septal deviation after septoplasty.