The impact of using intranasal splints on morbidity and prevalence of adhesions.

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of using intranasal splints for prevention of adhesions and to assess the morbidity associated with their use. METHODS A retrospective study based on 2 tertiary hospitals from 1988-1995. One hundred and fourteen patients were divided into 2 groups. Group one with splints and group 2 without. The splints were used for 10 days and nasal toilet was carried out twice. Score of adhesions, perforation, bleeding, pain, crusting, and septum position were recorded. RESULTS Adhesions in both groups were almost the same as well as septum medialization and perforation scores. Pain and crusting were more common in the splinted group (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSION The use of intranasal splints should be individualized. Nasal irrigation is of importance to prevent crusting. The morbidity associated with intranasal splints should be considered before use.