Packing and stents in endonasal surgery

Nasal packing is used primarily to control bleeding in epistaxis and after surgical procedures to the nose such as septoplasty, turbinate and paranasa l sinus surgery. It is also used for internal stabilisation after operation s involving the cartilaginous-bony skeleton of the nose. Apart from haemost asis, packing is used to prevent synechiae or restenosis, particularly afte r surgery. Generally accepted standards regarding the materials which shoul d be used for packing, how long the packing should be left in place or the indications for nasa[packing are lacking (Egelund and Jeppessen, 1992; Hose mann, 1996; Weber et al., 1996b). For example, many authors do not use pack ing at all provided that there is no heavy bleeding during or after the ope ration. Of those who use packing, some remove it on the day of the operatio n, others up to 5 days postoperatively (for overview see Weber et al., 1996 b). Most publications describe experience with packing materials developed or preferred by the authors. Results of comparative studies on the nature a nd duration of packing are listed in Table 1. The currently available mater ials are reviewed and their respective properties, indications and risks ar e outlined.