Nasal Packing After Turbinoplasty

Standard bilateral Merocel® nasal tampons (Medtronic, USA) were inserted in their dry compressed form. Prior to insertion, each tampon was trimmed according to the dimensions of the patient's nasal cavity. Following contact with nasal secretions, the Merocel expanded to provide gentle and uniform pressure over the operative site.

A Merocel® tampon was enclosed within the finger portion of a sterile powder-free latex surgical glove. The glove finger was then partially stripped to expose portions of the Merocel surface while retaining a thin latex interface, thereby preventing the glove from acting as a complete barrier and allowing contact between the Merocel and surrounding nasal secretions. This modification preserved the expansion and absorptive properties of the Merocel while creating a smoother, less adherent outer surface.

Merocel® tampons were coated with a thin uniform layer of topical broad-spectrum antibiotic ointment, such as fusidic acid 2% plus corticosteroids, prior to bilateral insertion. This modification was intended to provide localized antimicrobial coverage while preserving the hemostatic effect of the packing material.

Sterile ribbon gauze impregnated with white petroleum jelly (paraffin) was loosely packed into each nasal cavity in a layered accordion-like fashion, beginning at the nasal floor and progressing posteriorly. Packing density was standardized to achieve adequate hemostasis while avoiding excessive pressure on the nasal mucosa.