OUTCOME EVALUATION OF THE USAGE OF INTRANASAL SPLINTING VERSUS THE NON-USAGE IN SEPTOTURBINOPLASTY - PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Nasal septal deformities constitute one of the most prevalent anatomical abnormalities, with reported incidence rates in the adult population exceeding 90%. Nasal obstruction is a commonly reported issue in otolaryngology, with numerous underlying causes. The most frequent cause of unilateral nasal obstruction is a deviated nasal septum. A severely deviated septum is a major contributor to nasal obstruction and may be associated with a range of secondary conditions, including sinusitis, snoring, epistaxis, headache, postnasal discharge, and sleep apnea. Septoplasty is a standard procedure to correct symptomatic septal deviation. Septoplasty may be associated with some complications. One of the most common complicationsis the formation of intranasal adhesions, particularly when combined with turbinoplasty. The usage of intranasal splints after septoplasty successfully decreases the formation of intranasal adhesions following septoplasty, as they avoid contact between the raw surface of the septum, inferior turbinate, and lateral nasal wall. - The aim:The aim of the study is to evaluate the incidence of complications during the postoperative follow up after septoturbinoplasty in patients using septal splints vs those not using septal splints regarding objective parameters entailed intranasal synechia, crustations, epistaxis, septal hematomaformation & subjective parameters entailed pain or discomfort, and nasal obstruction.