A comparison of the effects of packing or transseptal suture on polysomnographic parameters in septoplasty

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Sleep Medicine
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure to correct deviated septums.
• Post-operative management strategies, including nasal packing and transseptal sutures, can impact patient outcomes.
• The effects of these interventions on polysomnographic parameters in young patients are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of nasal packing versus transseptal suture on polysomnographic parameters in young patients undergoing septoplasty.
• To evaluate the impact of these post-operative interventions on sleep quality and respiratory function.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 43 young patients diagnosed with septum deviation and undergoing septoplasty.
• Patients were divided into two groups: 23 received nasal packing, and 20 had transseptal suture.
• Polysomnography was performed on postoperative day 1 and during the post-operative period.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed a post-operative increase in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
• The nasal packing group exhibited a statistically significant increase in AHI (p < 0.05).
• Nasal packing led to a significantly greater fall in average oxygen desaturation (p < 0.001) and a higher arousal index (p < 0.05) compared to the suture group.

Conclusions:

• Nasal packing negatively impacts post-operative quality of life and respiratory function during sleep in young patients.
• Nasal packing can induce obstructive sleep apnea syndrome even in young, otherwise healthy individuals.
• Transseptal suture appears to be a more favorable post-operative management technique for preserving respiratory function after septoplasty.