The effects of different suture materials in the nasal cavity.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of different suture materials in the nasal cavity on encrustation and micro-organism colonisation.

METHODS

Four different suture materials were used to suture the nasal septum. The effects of suture materials on intranasal encrustation were evaluated with anterior rhinoscopy. The sutures were removed and evaluated in terms of micro-organism colonisation on the 7th and 21st post-operative days.

RESULTS

Monofilament sutures were found to cause less encrustation and micro-organism colonisation. There was increased late-stage encrustation if an absorbable monofilament suture remained in place for a long time. The removal of a non-absorbable monofilament suture in the early or late post-operative period made no difference in terms of micro-organism growth on the suture.

CONCLUSION

The material and physical characteristics of sutures placed inside the nose may indirectly affect the healing process. It may be more appropriate to use different materials depending on the length of time the suture is to remain in place.