A prospective randomized controlled study of 4% lignocaine solution in Merocel nasal pack removal

Packing of the nasal cavity following intranasal surgery is still widely practised. The removal of this packing is invariably associated with a significant amount of pain. We designed a prospective randomised case-controlled study to look at the efficacy of 4% lignocaine solution as a potential analgesic in the removal of Merocel nasal packs. Each patient had bilateral packs and acted as his or her own control with one pack being rehydrated with lignocaine and the other with saline. We found that there was a reduction in the level of discomfort experienced on the side rehydrated with lignocaine, although this reduction did not reach significance. We emphasize the importance of rehydration of these packs prior to removal.