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Histopathological changes of nasal mucosa after nasal packing with Merocel
M Tan1, T Bayındır1, M T Çiçek1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Inonu University Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey.
Objective:
To determine histopathological changes in nasal mucosa associated with duration of nasal packing with Merocel tampons.
Methods:
This study included 24 healthy rabbits, 6 rabbits per group. In group A, no tampon was applied. In group B, Merocel nasal tampons were applied and removed after 24 hours. In group C, the tampons were removed after 48 hours. In group D, the tampons were removed after 5 days. Specimens were obtained from the septum of each rabbit, including cartilage. Histopathological examination was performed.
Results:
Significant differences were observed in terms of inflammatory infiltration and loss of cilia between groups A and B. Significant differences were also observed in terms of inflammatory infiltration, haematoma, cilia loss, epithelium dysplasia and cartilage degeneration between groups B and C. There were significant differences in terms of cilia loss, epithelium dysplasia and subepithelial fibrosis between groups C and D. Cartilage degeneration was mild in one animal in group B and in two animals in group C, and was moderate in four animals in group C.
Conclusion:
It is recommended that Merocel nasal tampons are removed within 48 hours to preserve nasal mucosal function. Keeping the pack longer may cause cartilage degeneration and other complications.
Insights
Removing Merocel nasal tampons within 48 hours is recommended to prevent histopathological changes in nasal mucosa. Longer packing durations can lead to cilia loss, epithelium dysplasia, and cartilage degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Histopathology
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Nasal packing is crucial post-surgery, but prolonged use of Merocel tampons can cause mucosal damage.
- Understanding the histopathological effects of varying Merocel tampon durations is essential for optimizing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathological alterations in rabbit nasal mucosa resulting from different durations of Merocel tampon packing.
Main Methods:
- 24 healthy rabbits were divided into four groups: no packing, 24-hour, 48-hour, and 5-day Merocel tampon packing.
- Nasal septal specimens, including cartilage, were collected for histopathological examination.
Main Results:
- Significant inflammatory infiltration and cilia loss were noted after 24 hours compared to no packing.
- Packing for 48 hours led to increased inflammation, cilia loss, epithelium dysplasia, and cartilage degeneration.
- Five-day packing resulted in significant cilia loss, epithelium dysplasia, and subepithelial fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Merocel nasal tampons should ideally be removed within 48 hours to minimize damage to nasal mucosa.
- Prolonged nasal packing exceeding 48 hours risks complications such as cartilage degeneration and impaired mucosal function.
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