OSE_1212_part2_Layout 1 12/5/12 9:52 AM Page 104
E N T
Use latest-generation packing
5 The old method of packing the sinuses for surgery wasn't pleasant for anyone — patient or practitioner. Not to mention that the
removal process was a smelly, sticky business. Now we have a new
generation of chemical packing that holds sinus tissue in place and
dissolves over time with the prescribed post-op nasal irrigations.
The new packing materials can be put in with a splint that holds the
septum in place, allowing air to move back and forth. This allows for
normal breathing, which in turn can help relieve the pain and sinus
pressure that patients experienced with the old gauze-and-Vaseline
method. We call to check on all patients on post-op day 1, and when
we talk to sinus patients now, there's a big difference. They tend to
report a little pressure, minimal if any pain, and that they don't need
the pain medications we've prescribed. That huge ball of gauze we
used to put in there was one of the main patient dissatisfiers.
Further, new-generation packing is impregnated with hemostasis
medications, which help control post-op bleeding. This is an issue for
patients at home because it's unpleasant but, more importantly, sinus
bleeding lengthens PACU stays. Swallowed blood can lead to PONV. If
blood gets in the stomach, patients will throw up. If you want to get
sinus patients up and on their way effectively and efficiently, using the
latest packings is a crucial start.
1 0 4
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2012
