Complications and number of follow-up visits after using septal stapler in septoplasty

Background: Septoplasties have traditionally been closed with transseptal sutures, silicone splints, or packing with nasal tamponade. In 2015, our clinic began to employ a septal stapler. The stapler adheres the mucosa to the septal cartilage with bioresorbable staples, replacing both sutures and silicone splints and limiting the use of nasal tamponade for bleeding cases. The complications of stapler versus other methods have not been reported on previously. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of stapler in septoplasties makes a difference in complication rates, operation time, or number of follow-up visits when compared to the traditional closure or filling methods. Methodology: Patient records from 101 septoplasties in which the stapler had been used, and a reference group of 356 septoplasties in which the stapler had not been used, were retrospectively reviewed and analysed. Results: No significant difference was seen in the complication rate between the stapler and the control group. Overall follow-up visits were fewer in the stapler group when compared to the control group, however there was no significant difference in the number of unplanned follow-up visits between the groups. Conclusions: By using the stapler in septoplasty, the number of postoperative follow-up visits might be reduced. Neither complication rate, nor operation time differed when using the stapler as compared to the traditional methods of closure.