For several years I have used as intranasal packing, and as packing for mastoidectomy and sinal cavities, gauze thoroughly impregnated with oxytetracycline (Terramycin) ointment. This ointment effectively greases the packing and, more importantly, prevents infection in the operative site. That infection is prevented, or at least is greatly reduced, is demonstrated rather strikingly when the packing is removed—there is no odor. After removing ordinary packing such as petrolatum gauze, the physician may find it necessary to deodorize his examining room before seating another patient.
An example of how packing treated with oxytetracycline ointment can be left in place for a prolonged period was provided by a patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Although he bled so severely that his hemoglobin level was only 2 gm/100 cc, he refused blood transfusion because of religious scruples. There was nothing to do but to pack his nose and wait for orally and parenterally administered