Influence of surface properties of Merocel^® (polyvinyl acetal) and silicone nasal splints on biofilm formation

The objective of the study was to investigate biofilm formation on Merocel^® and silicone nasal splint after nasal septal surgery. 50 patients who were scheduled to undergo nasal septal surgery were included in this study. The patients were randomized into receiving an insert of Merocel^® or silicone splint after septoplasty. In group 1 (8 females, 17 males) and group 2 (10 females, 15 males), Merocel ^® packs or silicone splints were inserted into nasal cavities at the end of the procedures, respectively. All packs were removed 48 h after insertion, and samples were taken from the packs under sterilized conditions. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to observe biofilm formation on the surfaces of Merocel^® and silicone splints. Biofilm formation was observed in 25 (100 %) and 3 (12 %) of the Merocel^® and silicone splint samples, respectively. Our study revealed that biofilm formation on Merocel^® packs is significantly higher than silicone splints, mainly due to the different texture and surface properties of these materials. Considering the hazardous effects of biofilm formation on humans, our observations in this study may guide surgeons to choose the most appropriate packing material after nasal septal surgery.