Modified quilting sutures: a new technique for hematoma and abscess of nasal septum

This study aimed to analyze the results of a modified continuous quilting sutures technique in a series of patients presenting with hematoma and/or abscess of nasal septum (HANS). Only patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HANS without co-morbid conditions (which could predispose to a bleeding tendency), were selected. Following incision and drainage, nasal septal flaps were coapted by applying continuous quilting sutures only. The success rate of this technique in terms of recurrence requiring re-exploration and drainage was 100%. Quilting sutures were generally well tolerated with few complaints. Saddle deformity was the most obvious complication of HANS, seen with septal abscess. Quilting sutures can be considered as an alternative treatment option for HANS. The modified technique employed in this study demonstrated impressive results and avoided the morbidity of nasal packing with fewer complications. Key Words: Nasal septum. Hematoma. Abscess. Blunt trauma. Incision and drainage. Sutures.