Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of Merocel nasal package rehydration with tetracaine 0.25% solution, in reducing discomfort of nasal packing removal after septoplasty.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients undergoing pure septoplasty. Merocel packing was applied in each side and kept for 2 days postoperatively. Merocel was rehydrated before removal, with 4 mL of saline on one side and 4 mL of tetracaine 0.25% solution on the other side. Patients were asked to evaluate severity of pain during nasal packing removal on each side by a visual analog scale. Patients' data, pain score, and potential complications were placed in a database and statistically assessed.
Results: Our series consisted of 141 persons. Statistical analysis showed significant lower pain score in favor of the tetracaine group. No tetracaine complications or side effects occurred.
Conclusion: Merocel packing rehydration with tetracaine 0.25% solution is an easy, safe, inexpensive, and effective analgesia method for nasal packing removal in septoplasty.