Do silicone nasal septal splints with integral airway reduce postoperative eustachian tube dysfunction?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Nasal surgery outcomes
• Middle ear ventilation

Background:

• Septoplasty for septal deviation can impact nasal airflow and middle ear pressure.
• Nasal packing is commonly used post-septoplasty, but its effect on middle ear ventilation is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of Merocel nasal packs versus silicone nasal septal splints with integral airway on middle ear ventilation and pressure after septoplasty.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized trial involving 51 patients undergoing septoplasty.
• Patients received either Merocel nasal packs or silicone nasal septal splints with integral airway.
• Middle ear pressures were assessed using pre- and post-operative tympanometry.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher rate of pathological decrease in middle ear pressure was observed in the Merocel group (73.9%) compared to the silicone splint group (21.4%) at 48 hours post-op.
• While both groups showed decreased tympanometric pressures initially, the Merocel group experienced continued decreases, whereas the silicone splint group showed pressure increases after 24 hours.

Conclusions:

• Silicone nasal septal splints with integral airway appear to be a more favorable option post-septoplasty.
• These splints may reduce Eustachian tube dysfunction compared to traditional Merocel nasal packing.
• Allowing nasal inhalation may contribute to better middle ear ventilation outcomes.