Comparison of the Effect of Conventional Nasal Packing with Ventilation Tube Nasal Packing Following Deviated Septal Surgeries

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Postoperative nasal packing ensures hemostasis and mucosal support after septal surgery. Conventional nasal packs control bleeding effectively but cause nasal obstruction and discomfort. Vented nasal packs incorporate an airway tube to preserve breathing while maintaining hemostasis. However, comparative effectiveness data remain limited. Objective: To compare the clinical effectiveness of conventional nasal packing versus vented nasal packing following septal surgeries. Methods & Materials: A comparative study was conducted at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, from January 2025 to December 2025. A total of 60 patients undergoing septal surgery were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each using purposive sampling. Group A received conventional nasal packs, while Group B received vented nasal packs. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Hemostatic success was 96.7% in Group A versus 100% in Group B (p=0.313). Mean pain scores at removal were 4.5 ± 1.2 in Group A versus 3.9 ± 1.0 in Group B (p=0.041). Nasal breathing was preserved in none of the patients (0.0%) in Group A, compared with 86.7% in Group B (p<0.001). Minor complications included transient epistaxis upon removal (Group A: 16.7%, Group B: 10.0%) and throat discomfort (Group A: 23.3%, Group B: 16.7%). No major complications occurred. Conclusion: Vented nasal packs demonstrate comparable hemostatic efficacy to conventional packing with significantly better pain profiles and superior preservation of nasal breathing. They represent a safe and effective alternative for postoperative nasal packing following septal surgery.