Comparison of Nasal Packing, Trans-septal Suturing, and Submucosal Trans-septal Suturing Techniques After Septal Extension Grafts With Autogenous Costicartilage

Abstract

Background: Nasal packing (NP), trans-septal suturing (TSS), and submucosal trans-septal suturing (STSS) are common techniques to avoid dead space after the deviated septum is corrected. However, there is rare data about surgical complications and discomfort of these techniques after septal extension grafts (SEG) with autogenous costicartilage. Objective: To compare the complications and discomfort of NP, TSS, and STSS techniques after SEG with autogenous costicartilage. Materials and Methods: The authors randomly divided 90 patients into NP, TSS, and STSS groups. The discomfort (sleeping disturbance, nasal obstruction, and pain), complications, and extra surgical duration were recorded and compared among the 3 groups. Results: The difference in extra-surgical duration was statistically significant between the 3 groups. Compared with the other 2 groups, the NP group had obviously higher average scores of sleeping disturbance, nasal obstruction, and pain during 48 hours after surgery, while TSS had an obviously higher incidence of septal mucoperichondrial injury. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of foreign body sensation, bleeding, hematoma, septal perforation, and infection between the 3 groups. Conclusion: The TSS technique is preferable after SEG with autogenous costicartilage.