The comparative study of submucosal resection of nasal septum under local and general anaesthesia.

OBJECTIVE To compare the outcome of submucosal resection of nasal septum under local and general anaesthesia. METHODS The retrospective study was conducted at the Sindh Government Hospital, Korangi, Karachi, from November 2008 to June 2010. A total of 100 patients (50 male and 50 females) having unilateral or bilateral nasal obstruction with moderate deviation of the nasal septum and unilateral or bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy, undergoing surgical treatment were inducted. They were divided into two groups: 50 patients of either gender operated under local anaesthesia; and the rest who were operated under general anaesthesia. All these patient came for post-operative follow up in July and August 2010, and both groups were compared. SPSS 18 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Of the 100 patients, there were 19 complications: 1 (5.26%) among those who had undergone local anaesthesia, and 18 (94.73%) among those who had been given general anaesthesia. Besides, in Group I, the cost of the drugs averaged Rs500 per patient, the average time consumed was 20 minutes, and bleeding at time of surgery was mild (10 to 15 ml). In Group II, the average cost of drug Rs1500 per patient, the average time consumed was 40 minutes, and bleeding at time of surgery was moderate (15 to 100ml). No mortality was seen in either group. CONCLUSION Local anaesthesia was found to be a far more safe, effective and economical option for submucosal resection of nasal septum.