Evaluation of the management of nasal septal haematoma and abscess: a systematic review.

Jackson, R.; Jia, W.; Edafe, O.

Evaluation of the management of nasal septal haematoma and abscess: a systematic review.

All Authors

Jackson, R.

Jia, W.

Edafe, O.

LTHT Author

Jackson, Richard

LTHT Department

Ear, Nose & Throat

Publication Date

2025

Item Type

Journal Article
Systematic Review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: There is limited evidence on the optimal management of nasal septal haematoma and abscess. This systemic review aims to summarise the management and outcomes and identify gaps in the literature. METHOD: A systematic search of Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and CINAHL was done. We included all studies on management of paediatric and adult patients with nasal septal haematoma or nasal septal abscess. RESULTS: Seventeen articles were included (15 retrospective and 2 prospective) totalling 503 patients. Prophylactic antibiotics generally are used in nasal septal haematoma. Most septal collections were drained under general anaesthetic, and incision and drainage used in all. Quilting sutures, drains, nasal packing or a combination of these surgical techniques were described. Re-collection occurred in 18 of the 503 (3.6 per cent) patients. CONCLUSION: Low rates of re-collection following incision and drainage are reported. There is a lack of well-designed studies that stratify outcomes and morbidity of nasal septal abscess and nasal septal haematoma based on mode of treatment.