Comparison of Merocel with Medicated Gauge Packing as a Packing Material after Nasal Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Controlled Trial

Background: In the present study, we have evaluated Merocel (Medtronic Xomed surgical products, Jacksonville, FL) as a packing material after nasal surgery compared with medicated gauze packing (MGP), in terms of clinical efficacy and mucosal wound healing. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial was performed in 50 patients who underwent nasal surgery. The patients were randomized to receive Merocel or MGP after nasal surgery. Assessment of clinical efficacy on bleeding at the time of pack removal, pain with pack in-situ and effects over mucosal wound healing was made. Results: Pain with pack in-situ and bleeding at the time of pack removal was considerably less in patients in Merocel group, than seen in the MGP group. Furthermore, the mucosal wound healing was much better in the Merocel group. The difference observed between the two groups was statistically significant. Conclusion: Merocel is a suitable packing material to be used after nasal surgery with beneficial effects on pain, bleeding, and mucosal wound healing.