Selective irrigation of paranasal sinuses in the treatment of recalcitrant chronic sinusitis

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: rhinosinusitis 2021

I.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BACKGROUND: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR-RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR-RS-2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence-based findings of the document.

METHODS

ICAR-RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence-based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary.

RESULTS

ICAR-RS-2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence-based management algorithm is provided.

CONCLUSION

This ICAR-RS-2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS.

Development of a New Device for Postoperative Self-Irrigation of the Maxillary and Frontal Sinus

OBJECTIVES

Nasal saline irrigation is the corner stone of postoperative care after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, intrasinus penetration of the saline solution can be challenging and may require difficult head position, particularly for the frontal sinus. Our aim was to evaluate a novel device for direct intrasinus self-irrigation, usable at home for both maxillary and frontal sinus.

METHODS

Thirty devices were implemented in 23 patients: in the maxillary sinus for 18 patients and in the frontal sinus for 5 patients. The device was removed after 7 days on average (5-10 days), and nasal saline irrigation was carried on with a squeeze bottle for 6 weeks. Retrospective evaluation of the device included: device-related complication, patient satisfaction, and ostial or middle turbinate synechiae at 3 months.

RESULTS

No device-related complication (obstruction, displacement, infection, bleeding) occurred. Twenty-one (91.3%) patients were satisfied with the device. Two patients required the help of a nurse for irrigation. No ostial of middle turbinate synechiae was visualized at 3 months. This new endonasal device enables direct intrasinus self-irrigation after FESS for CRS.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study showed that this device is safe and easy to use. However, further investigations are required to assess its potential role to reduce the risk of synechiae and revision surgery.