DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i04.016

Pages: 522-527

Background: Nasal surgeries such as septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction are commonly performed to correct anatomical abnormalities and relieve nasal obstruction. Postoperative nasal packing is routinely used to control bleeding, support mucosal healing, and prevent complications. However, traditional packing techniques, like Vaseline gauze, are often associated with significant patient discomfort, pain, and nasal obstruction. Internal nasal splints have emerged as an alternative aimed at reducing these adverse effects while maintaining hemostasis. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness, patient comfort, and postoperative outcomes of traditional Vaseline gauze packing versus internal nasal splints with clips following septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction. Methods: A prospective, randomized, comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 2023 to July 2024. Fifty patients aged 18–50 years undergoing septoplasty with bipolar cauterization of inferior turbinates were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A (n=25) received Vaseline gauze packing, and Group B (n=25) received internal nasal splints secured with clips. Postoperative pain, headache, nasal obstruction, and symptoms such as ear block, epiphora, and sleep discomfort were assessed at 8 hours and 24 hours post-surgery using a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Mean time for placement of pack or splint was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Patients in Group B experienced significantly lower postoperative pain, with 0% reporting severe pain (VAS 9–10) at 8 hours versus 50% in Group A, and 0% versus 49% at 24 hours. Headache and nasal obstruction were also significantly reduced in Group B, with 76% and 92% reporting mild symptoms at 8 and 24 hours, respectively, compared to 28% and 28% in Group A. Other postoperative symptoms, including ear block, epiphora, and sleep discomfort, were subs