An evaluation of Merocel and Series 5000 nasal packs in patients following nasal surgery: a prospective randomised trial

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to compare postoperative pain levels between Merocel and Series 5000 nasal packs. Design: A prospective randomised, single blind, paired control trial. Setting: A single consultant in two tertiary Otolaryngology units. Participants: Twenty-four adults, ASA 1, who underwent septoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery or both, were considered after exclusion criteria were applied: bleeding abnormalities, patients taking anticoagulant medications and any significant co-morbidity requiring admission beyond 24-h postoperatively. Twenty-one patients were randomly assigned to have one side of their nose packed with Merocel pack and the other with Series 5000 overnight. Main outcome measures: The difference in pain levels, using a visual analogue scale, both with the pack in situ and on removal. Results: In 20 patients, the mean pain scores while the packs were in situ were 3.78 for Merocel and 3.62 for Series 5000 and was not found to be significantly different (P = 0.65. 95% CI = -0.57-0.89). The mean pain score on removal of the Merocel pack was five and for the Series 5000 was 3.08. The Series 5000 pack was significantly less painful than Merocel on removal (P < 0.0001. 95% CI = 1.11-2.7). Both were equally effective in their stability and haemostatic effect. Conclusions: Both the Merocel and Series 5000 packs are effective packs regarding haemostasis and have equivalent pain levels while in situ. However, the Series 5000 pack was significantly less painful on removal of the pack.