J Rhinol.  2012 Nov;19(2):96-100.

The Usefulness of Latex-covered Merocel(R) Packing in Septal Surgery

• Chung JH
• Shin SY
• Lee KH
• Cho JS
• Kim SW

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Nasal packing after nasal surgery is commonly practiced. Merocel(R) is one of the most popular packing material, however it can be associated with significant pain and bleeding on its removal. A prospective study was performed to compare the efficacy and patient tolerance of Merocel(R) and newly designed Latex-covered Merocel(R) (LCM). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty patients underwent septoplasty for septal deviation. Following septoplasty, the patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 patients each who underwent insertion of either Merocel(R) or LCM. Patients were asked to record pain levels using a visual analogue scale(VAS) before and after packing removal, and number of analgesic injection were recorded. Resistance and amount of bleeding on packing removal were also recorded.
RESULTS
Both nasal packs effectively prevented post-operative bleeding. However the VAS score for nasal pain and numbers of analgesic use before and after packing removal were significantly lower in the LCM group. LCM was removed more smoothly causing significantly less amount of bleeding on removal.
CONCLUSION
LCM provides good post-operative hemostasis and its removal is less traumatic and painful for the patients, therefore improving patient's comfort.

Keyword

Nasal packing; Latex-covered Merocel(R); Pain

MeSH Terms

Hemorrhage
Hemostasis
Humans
Nasal Surgical Procedures
Prospective Studies