A comparison of packing materials used in nasal surgery.

A prospective study was performed to compare Telfa, paraffin gauze, Merocel and BIPP used postoperatively following septal or turbinate surgery. Packs were assessed in terms of patient comfort, control of bleeding and ease of removal. There was little to choose between the packs while they were in situ and there was no significant difference in ease of removal. On removal the Telfa and paraffin gauze were associated with less discomfort and less bleeding than BIPP or Merocel (p < 0.05).