The Efficacy of Silastic Sheet Nasal Splints in Endoscopic Nasal Septal Repair Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial

1. Purpose

To compare the success rate of septoplasty in correcting the nasal septal deviation (with regards to nasal obstruction and intranasal access) among patient who used Doyle splints and those who did not. The investigators will also determine if patient's quality of life in the postoperative period is affected by the use of Doyle splints or not. 2. Hypothesis

Is there a significant difference in success rates of septoplasty in patients who used a Doyle nasal splint when compared with patients who did not use the Doyle nasal splint? Null hypothesis There is no significant difference in success rates of septoplasty in patients who used a Doyle nasal splint when compared with patients who did not use the Doyle nasal splint. 3. Justification

Currently in most North American rhinology clinics, nasal splints are used after septoplasty (using the quilting technique) to improve stability of the nasal septum. The quilting technique in addition to reduction of other complications was developed to improve septal stability after septoplasty. No study has been conducted to examine the efficacy of using only the quilting method when compared to the current standard of care which adds extra cost to the surgery. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the quilting technique in improving stability of the nasal septum among patients using nasal splints and those not on nasal splints after septoplasty.

A recent study (Objective usefulness of thin silastic septal splints after septal surgery; i Jung, M.D., Kim, M.D. et al Am J Rhinol Allergy 25, 182-185, 2011) has shown Insertion of a silastic septal splint after septal surgery should be accepted as a routine procedure. Our study is aiming to show that quilting suture in x-shaped fashion technique is as effective and safe as using them yet avoids the potential complication of discomfort/pain/toxic shock syndrome etc.