Management of Complications of Septoplasty; a Cross-sectional Comparative Study between Silicon Nasal Splints, Plastic Splints and without Splints for the Correction of the Deviated Nasal Septum

Introduction: In otorhinolaryngology practice deviated nasal septum is a very common issue. Multiple theories demonstrated that deviated nasal septum started from birth moulding to the trauma to the nose. Sometimes surgery is performed to the approach of paranasal sinuses but the most common indication for septoplasty is nasal obstruction. Aim/Objectives: To compare the management of complications after septoplasty in different groups by using nasal splints, plastic splints and without a splint. Methodology: One hundred and fifty patients were selected randomly having deviated nasal septum (DNS) for septoplasty. We divided all patients into three different groups i.e., Group I (without splints), Group II (silicon splints), and Group III (plastic splints). Fifty patients were enrolled on each group. We measured the severity of pain by using a visual analogue scale, postoperated bleeding, post-operated septal hematoma, post-operated nasal adhesion, saddle nose deformity, and septal perforations. Data was entered in SPSS software by using version 20. Results: Among 150 patients, ninety-five were male and 55 were female. Pain score (severe pain) in Group I was 0%, in Group II, it was 20% and in Group III, it was 30%, showing the severity of pain was less in Group I. Moderate pain was more (30%) in patients of Group III. Nasal bleeding was noted in 16% in Group I, 18% in Group II, and 80% in Group III. Nasal adhesions were more in Group I, i.e., 24 patients (48%), in Group II and in group III, it was 8%. The hematoma was more in Group III. Saddle nose deformity was seen in 2 patients in group III. Septal perforations were seen in 6 patients in Group I and 1 patient in group III. Conclusion: Silicon nasal splints are good and effective; patients were more comfortable and have fewer complications when compared to plastic splints and without splints.