Effect of nasal retainer versus doyle nasal packing on postoperative comfort and complications following septorhinoplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Nasal packing is commonly used after septorhinoplasty for hemostasis and mucosal support, but it often causes discomfort due to nasal obstruction and pain during removal. Nasal retainers, which permit airflow and minimize mucosal contact, have been proposed as a more tolerable alternative. AIMS/

OBJECTIVES

To compare nasal retainers and Doyle nasal packing in terms of postoperative comfort and complications after septorhinoplasty. MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This prospective randomized controlled trial included 78 patients undergoing primary septorhinoplasty, assigned to receive either nasal retainers (n = 40) or Doyle packing (n = 38). Postoperative symptoms including headache, nasal obstruction, facial pressure, dysphagia, postnasal drip, and anterior rhinorrhea were rated using visual analog scales, and complications such as bleeding, synechiae, and septal perforation were recorded.

RESULTS

Retainer use yielded significantly lower scores for headache, nasal obstruction, facial pressure, and dysphagia (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found for postnasal drip, rhinorrhea, or complication rates. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Nasal retainers provide greater postoperative comfort than Doyle nasal packing without increasing complications, representing a safe and patient-friendly alternative for intranasal support.