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How we do it: the absorbable gelatin sponge cube, an effective and economical approach to packing in ear surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2014

S Fang ,
K Argiris  and
N Padgham
S Fang*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, UK
K Argiris
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, UK
N Padgham
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr S Fang, Department of Otolaryngology, William Harvey Hospital, Kennington Road, Willesborough, Ashford, TN24 0LZ, United Kingdom E-mail: fang@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Introduction:

There is currently a lack of robust evidence on the best form of packing for otological surgery. We describe the use of the absorbable gelatin sponge, a packing material that does not require removal and has the benefit of being considerably cheaper compared to other common forms of ear packing.

Methods:

A comparison was made of the financial cost of several forms of packing for common otological procedures. In addition, a retrospective audit of complications was undertaken of all patients in whom the absorbable gelatin sponge was used over the past three years.

Results:

The absorbable gelatin sponge was shown to be cheaper to purchase per unit and also more economical to use. It has been the exclusive form of packing used in 519 procedures over the past three years at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford (UK), with very few complications noted at the follow-up review.

Conclusion:

We strongly advocate using the absorbable gelatin sponge, a packing material that is kinder to the patient, has similar efficacy to other forms of packing and is also much cheaper to use compared to other common forms of packing.

Keywords

SurgeryOtolaryngologyEar, ExternalEar, MiddleOtologic Surgical ProceduresBiological DressingsGelatin
Type
Short Communication
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 128 , Issue 5 , May 2014 , pp. 475 - 477
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2014 

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References

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