Haemostasis and chemoprophylasis using a specific nasal packing after rhinosurgery.

AIM OF THE STUDY This study evaluated the effect of a new type of haemostatic--chemoprophylactic nasal packing (gel-tampon) on wound healing following the surgical removal of nasal polyps. These tampons are coated with a haemostatic hydrocolloid gel supported by a latex of microfibres and were soaked in solution of cortisone and antimycotic or antibiotic medicament. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy nine patients (56 M, 23 F, age 21-81, mean age 43 years) were studied following the above procedure. The gel-tampon was soaked in a solution of cortisone plus either antibiotic or antimycotic before postoperative application. A control group consisted of patients undergoing similar surgery and given nasal packing consisting of gel-tampon without having soaked them in any of the above solutions. The placement of the gel-tampon was easy and well tolerated by the patients. It was sufficient for haemostasis in all cases. Pain reported during removal of the gel-tampon soaked in solution was similar than in the controls. Subsequent haemorrhage in the study groups was both less frequent than in the controls, while the inflammation rate was considerable lower in the study groups in which was used antibiotic and cortisone. Soaking the gel-tampon in antibiotic + cortisone appeared to produce a better result than the use of antimycotic + cortisone. CONCLUSION In conclusion it seems that the gel-tampon soaked in cortisone and antibiotic is a good possible solution for postoperative haemostatic and anti-inflammatory care following intranasal surgery.