Will taking out the splints after septoplasty due to excessive bleeding undo the results of the surgery?

Question

I had septoplasty/turbinoplasty done a few days ago and went to the ER the same night due to excessive bleeding. The Dr there wanted to take the splints out but I asked if he could just remove the blood clot to stop the bleeding as I wanted the splints in place to secure my septum. The bleeding stopped but the next day, it continued again and this time my ENT Dr. went ahead and took the splints out replacing it with packing. Will this undo the results of the surgery?

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

I trust that the bleeding is now under control with removal of the splints and packing from your ENT physician. Splints protect the mucosal lining of your septum after surgery and offer some support, but I routinely do not use them. If post operative bleeding is controlled and your ENT has not identified a septal hematoma, you should heal normally. I am glad you waited for your ENT physician and left the ER with your splints intact. Though uncomfortable to be re-packed, this setback should not necessarily undo your surgery results.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear healthiswealth, Replacing the splint with packing should not change your result. Not all surgeons myself included use splints with septoplasty. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Will taking out the splints after septoplasty due to excessive bleeding undo the results of the surgery?

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