A randomised controlled trial comparing Rapid Rhino Mannheim and Netcell series 5000 packs following routine nasal surgery

To determine whether there is a difference in discomfort between Netcell Series 5000 and Rapid Rhino Mannheim 8.0 cm (Cat. No. 800) packs used after routine nasal surgery, whilst in situ and during removal. This was tested in a single blind, randomised controlled trial at the ENT Department, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. Adults aged 16-65 undergoing nasal septal surgery and trimming of inferior turbinates. Patients were excluded if they were undergoing revision surgery, taking anticoagulants, or had a history of sino-nasal disease or trauma. Thirty nine entered and 32 completed the study. The intervention was a different nasal pack in each side of the nose, removed the morning after surgery. Pain experienced by patients while packs are in situ and on removal as recorded on a standard unmarked 100 mm visual analogue scale. There was no difference in the pain scores whilst in situ. Rapid Rhino Mannheim was more painful on removal (difference = 10.6 mm, p < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed ranks test). Rapid Rhino Mannheim packs do not confer a benefit over Netcell Series 5000 packs after routine nasal surgery.