The clinical outcomes of new hyaluronan nasal dressing: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

Fitostimoline® in fibro-endoscopic and trans-nasal trans-speculum septoplasty as a beneficial tool to improve post-surgical outcome: Preliminary results of a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

Topic treatment can be useful to improve short and long-term nasal outcomes after nasal surgery, reducing discomfort and risk of synechia. This study aimed at evaluating the effect on clinical outcomes of nasal packaging using Fitostimoline® gauze in FESS and septoplasty.

METHODS

A case-control study on hospitalized patients was performed in a tertiary referral center. The control group included 20 patients treated with the standard surgical protocol for septoplasty and standard nasal packaging; treatment group included 21 patients underwent same surgical procedure but in whom the nasal tampon was wrapped with a gauze containing Fitostimoline® before being placed into the nose.

RESULTS

Patients in treatment group had better outcomes than control; nasal mucosa showed better healing - recovery of normal color- in those patients in whom we applied the Fitostimoline® gauze around tampons. Moreover, 100 % patients in the treatment group did not refer discomfort during at tampon removal versus 60 % subjects in the control group who referred pain, tension or tearing during the same action.

CONCLUSION

Our results, although preliminary because of the small cohort of subjects included, suggest that the apposition of a gauze with Fitostimoline® after nasal surgery might improve the mucosal healing with consequent reduction of patients discomfort during the post-surgical period.

Modelling the effects of post-FESS middle turbinate synechiae on sinonasal physiology: A computational fluid dynamics study

OBJECTIVE(S)

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is common and often requires surgical intervention. Surgical failure may lead to persistent symptoms and recalcitrant disease, often secondary to synechiae between the middle turbinate (MT) and lateral nasal wall. Synechiae prevention techniques have been extensively investigated, however evidence for the effect of synechiae on sinonasal physiology is lacking. We aimed to model the effects of MT synechiae on a post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) sinonasal cavity using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

METHODS

DICOM data from a CT-sinus of a healthy 25-year-old female was segmented to create a three-dimensional model. Virtual surgery was performed to simulate a "full-house" FESS procedure. Multiple models were created, each with a single unilateral virtual MT synechia of varying extent. CFD analysis was performed on each model and compared with a post-FESS control model without synechiae. Airflow velocity, humidity and mucosal surface and air temperature values were calculated.

RESULTS

All synechiae models demonstrated aberrant downstream sinonasal airflow. There was reduced ventilation of the ipsilateral frontal, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, with a concentrated central "jet" in the middle meatus region. Effects were proportionate to the size of synechiae. The impact on bulk inspired airflow was negligible.

CONCLUSION

Post-FESS synechiae between the MT and lateral nasal wall significantly disrupt local downstream sinus ventilation and nasal airflow. These findings may explain the persistent symptoms seen in post-FESS CRS patients with MT synechiae, reinforcing the importance of prevention and adhesiolysis. Larger cohort studies with multiple models of actual post-FESS patients with synechiae are required to validate these findings.

Hyaluronic Acid in Rhinology: Its Uses, Advantages and Drawbacks-A Review

Hyaluronic acid has been increasingly involved in recent research due to its many chemical and physical properties. This is a review of the literature for studies involving the use of hyaluronic acid in rhinology. Hyaluronic acid washes and irrigation have been increasingly used in chronic sinusitis medical therapy and post-operatively with mixed results. It has also been shown to play a role in the treatment of nasal polyposis, allergic rhinitis, acute rhinosinusitis and empty nose syndrome. Its effect on biofilm in many disease entities has also been studied. HA is being recently used as ancillary treatment for several rhinologic conditions such as post-operative endoscopy care and chronic sinonasal infections. The properties of HA have intrigued researchers over the past years particularly in biofilm management, healing and inflammation.

Comparison of Absorbable Packing versus No Packing in Wound Healing after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Nasal packing after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is controversial. The aim of this systematic review was to compare absorbable packing versus no packing in wound healing after ESS for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

DATA SOURCE

English electronic databases, including Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed, were searched, and only randomized controlled trials were included.

METHODS

The outcome measures were the presence of synechiae/adhesion formation, mucosal edema, crusting, granulation formation, and infection. The McNemar's test was used for pooled analysis.

RESULTS

Four studies with 148 participants were included. The pooled analysis showed that absorbable packing may offer benefit in reducing adhesion at 6-8 weeks (odds ratio [OR]: 0.3864; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2136-0.7235) and 12 weeks (OR: 0.2396, 95% CI: 0.08267-0.7709) postoperatively compared with no packing. There was no significant difference between the packed and the unpacked side at 2, 6-8, and 12 weeks after ESS in terms of presence of crusting, edema, and granulation formation.

CONCLUSION

There is insufficient evidence to suggest that absorbable packing after ESS does not increase mucosal edema, granulation formation, and infection. However, the absorbable packing may be more effective than no packing for the prevention of mucosal adhesion after ESS. The use of absorbable nasal packing after ESS is recommended when used to reduce postoperative mucosal adhesion. More research in this area is clearly needed.

Self-Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel in Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To investigate whether self-cross-linked HA hydrogel fill stimulates wound mucosal regeneration and its epithelialization around the ostia to improve long-term ostial patency in endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR).

METHODS

One hundred and ninety-two patients with unilateral primary chronic dacryocystitis (PCD) were randomized divided into 2 groups: group A (the HA hydrogel group) and group B (the control group). All patients underwent En-DCR. The HA hydrogel group received HA hydrogel filling the ostium at the end of the surgery and the control group received no treatment. The mucosal epithelialization of the wound, the formation of granulation, the formation of scars, and the success rate of ostial patency were compared.

RESULTS

Our study included 82 patients in group A and 79 patients in group B. At the 2-week follow up, 74 patients (90.2%) in the group A had a healed ostium with a lining of intact epithelial mucosa. It was higher when compared with 56 patients (70.9%) in group B (X2 = 9.698, P < 0.05). At the 12-month follow up, Granulation were present in 7.3% of patients in group A which was significantly lower than the 19.0% of patients in group B (X2 = 4.831, P < 0.05). No statistical difference was found with scars formation between 2 groups (X2 = 1.607, P = 0.205). The success rate of ostial patency was 89.0% (73/82) in group A and 77.2% (61/79) in group B. The success rate was much higher in group A than group B (X2 = 4.02, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Self-cross-linked HA hydrogel may enhance the success rate of En-DCR for PCD by promoting mucosal epithelial healing and preventing excessive granulation.

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.

The postoperative outcomes of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps by sustained released steroid from hyaluronic acid gel

PURPOSE

The self-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (scHA) and steroids are considered as efficient factors for postoperative management after chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) nasal surgery. This randomized clinical trial is designed to investigate the efficacy and potential of scHA gel as a topical drug sustained release carrier for steroid of budesonide.

METHODS

The study is performed with 30 patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The single application of scHA was assessed in the control patient group for postoperative recovery. In the treatment patient group, the combination of scHA/budesonide was applied for postoperative management. The patients are followed up in 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

The combination of scHA/budesonide results in better endoscopic scoring and mucus evaluation than the single scHA application.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the combination of scHA/budesonide is a valuable treatment for the FESS postoperative management and implies the potential of scHA gel as a topical drug sustained release scaffold.

Current and Alternative Therapies for Nasal Mucosa Injury: A Review

Nasal mucosa injury can be caused by trauma, radiotherapy, chronic infection such as sinusitis, and post sinus surgery. The rate of healing and its treatment are important in the recovery of patients especially in post sinus surgery, which introduces new injuries. In this review, the current knowledge in terms of the mechanism underlying nasal wound healing was initially discussed. The currently available treatment options for enhancement of wound healing following sinus surgery were discussed and these had included intravenous antibiotics or steroids, various nasal sprays, and nasal packing. In addition, emerging alternative therapies in nasal mucosa wound healing such as herbal medicine and the advancement of regenerative medicine therapies such as stem cells and their byproducts were also discussed. Despite the various available treatment options for wound healing in nasal mucosa, rigorous strong evidence of their efficacy is gravely warranted in order to recommend them as part of the treatment modality.

New Crosslinked Hyaluronan Gel, Intrauterine Device, or Both for the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions

Background and Objectives:

To compare the efficacy of 3 different techniques for prevention of adhesion reformation after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in patients with moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesions. Short-term assisted reproductive outcomes were also compared.

Study Design:

Total of 72 cases were randomized to Lippes loop intrauterine device (IUD) only, IUD plus a new crosslinked hyaluronan (NCH) gel, or NCH gel only following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. All cases received hormonal therapy and a second hysteroscopy was carried out. Endometrial thickness values were measured using transvaginal ultrasonography and American Fertility Society adhesion scores were noted during first and second hysteroscopy in all groups. Reproductive outcomes were also compared for those who received in vitro fertilization treatment.

Results:

Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed significantly better endometrial thickness in the IUD+NCH (7.5 mm) and NCH-only groups (6.5 mm) than the IUD-only group (5 mm) (P < .001). All groups revealed enhanced but comparable American Fertility Society adhesion scores on second-look hysteroscopy. A total of 37 patients received in vitro fertilization treatment after surgical management of adhesions. Ongoing pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization were 27%, 40%, and 36% in IUD, IUD+NCH, and NCH groups, respectively. However, the difference between the groups did not reach statistically significant difference.

Conclusion:

All interventions are of similar efficacy in the prevention of adhesion reformation after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis for moderate to severe intrauterine adhesions. However, better endometrial thickness values were observed in those who received NCH gel either alone or in combination with IUD. Assisted reproductive outcomes of both groups were comparable for ongoing pregnancy rates.

New Crosslinked Hyaluronan Gel for the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions after Dilation and Curettage in Patients with Delayed Miscarriage: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of a new crosslinked hyaluronan (NCH) gel in reducing the formation of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after dilation and curettage (D&C).

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I).

SETTINGS

Six hospitals for maternal and child healthcare in China.

PATIENTS

A total of 300 patients were randomized to undergo D&C for delayed miscarriage without previous history of D&C. Twenty-six patients (9%) were lost to follow-up and were excluded from the analysis.

INTERVENTIONS

Women were randomly assigned to D&C alone (control group; n = 150) or D&C plus NCH gel application (NCH gel group; n = 150) with 1:1 allocation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

All patients were evaluated using the American Fertility Society classification of IUAs during follow-up diagnostic hysteroscopy, scheduled at 3 months after D&C procedure. The primary endpoint was the number of women with IUAs at 3 months, and the secondary endpoints were adhesion scores and severity of IUAs. Postoperative efficacy data were available for 274 women (137 in each group). Intrauterine adhesion formations were observed in 13 of the 137 women (9.5%) in the NCH gel group and in 33 of the 137 women (24.1%) in the control group (p = .0012; relative risk [RR], 0.3939; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2107-0.7153), a difference of 14.6% (95% CI, 5.92%-23.28%) between the 2 groups. The extent of intrauterine cavity involved, type of adhesion and menstrual pattern, and cumulative adhesion scores were significantly lower in the NCH gel group compared with the control group (p = .0007, .008, .0012, and .0006, respectively). The proportion of women with moderate to severe IUAs was significantly lower in the NCH gel group than that in the control group (1 of 137 [0.7%] vs 16 of 137 [11.7%]; p = .0002; RR, 0.0625; 95% CI, 0.0084-0.4648), a difference of 11.95% (95% CI, 5.39%-16.51%) between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrates that IUAs are frequently formed after D&C for delayed miscarriage in women without a previous history of D&C procedures, and the application of NCH gel significantly reduces IUA formation.

Effectiveness of intranasal sodium hyaluronate in mitigating adverse effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy

BACKGROUND

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in moderate-to-severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea can cause nasal discomfort and other undesirable problems.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to test the effects of sodium hyaluronate on nasal problems that patients experienced in their daily lives, sleepiness, nasal resistance to airflow, nasal mucociliary clearance, changes in inflammatory markers, and compliance to CPAP in three groups of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on CPAP therapy.

METHODS

A total of 102 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] of ≥10/hour) were randomized into three treatment groups: (1) hyaluronate plus CPAP, (2) saline solution plus CPAP, and (3) CPAP-only groups. Outcome measures were the extent of improvement in the Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniRQLQ) mean scores, sleepiness, nasal resistance to airflow, nasal mucociliary clearance, changes in inflammatory markers, and compliance to CPAP. Significant improvement in each outcome measure was determined by comparing scores at baseline and after 4 weeks for each treatment group.

RESULTS

Significant improvement in the MiniRQLQ overall mean score was observed both in the hyaluronate plus CPAP (p < 0.00001) and saline solution plus CPAP groups (p < 0.01), although the hyaluronate plus CPAP group had better improvement compared with the saline solution plus CPAP group (0.24 versus 0.12, respectively). An increase in nasal inflammatory markers and saccharin transit test score was observed in all three groups, although it was statistically lower in the hyaluronate plus CPAP group (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Intranasal hyaluronate showed significant benefits in patients who received CPAP therapy, but future studies over a longer period of time after treatment should be performed to corroborate our findings.

The clinical outcomes of using a new cross-linked hyaluronan gel in endoscopic frontal sinus surgery

In endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) synechiae formation and ostial stenosis are frequently encountered. This is not uncommon after frontal recess and ostium interventions due to the narrow recess and difficult anatomy of the region. The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the new cross-linked hyaluronan gel-PureRegen^® Gel Sinus-on wound healing and synechiae prevention in endoscopic frontal sinus surgery. The study consists of two groups of patients who underwent ESS, including frontal sinus surgery. In the study group of 37 patients, PureRegen^® Gel Sinus was applied to both the frontal recess and ostium at the end of the procedure. The control group consisted of 28 patients. In this group, nasal dressing material was not applied at the end of surgery-neither to the frontal recess nor to the ostium. Postoperatively, epithelization was found to be significantly better at 2 and 4 weeks in the study group when compared with the findings in patients where no postoperative dressing was applied. In the eighth week, there was no significant difference found between the two groups in terms of epithelization. Synechiae formation was significantly lower in the PureRegen^® Gel Sinus group than the control group at all 2, 4 and 8 weeks postoperative evaluations. The effects of PureRegen^® Gel Sinus on wound healing, especially in reepithelization, have shown to occur earlier in the postoperative period. Rapid reepithelization and control of infection related granulation tissue formation with antibiotics in the early postoperative period may explain the low stenosis rate in frontal sinus ostia in PureRegen^® Gel Sinus applied patients.

Influence of hyaluronan nasal dressing on clinical outcome after endoscopic sinus surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Hyaluronan nasal dressing might be promising in promoting reepithelialization after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). However, the results remain controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effects of hyaluronan nasal dressing on clinical outcome after ESS.

METHODS

Medical literature data bases were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) that assessed the effect of hyaluronan nasal dressing on the outcome after ESS were included. The results were searched and data were extracted and assessed for quality. The primary outcome was reepithelization. Meta-analysis was performed by using the random-effect model.

RESULTS

Four RCTs, which involved 352 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control intervention, hyaluronan nasal dressing significantly promoted reepithelization (odds ratio [OR] 3.18 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.33-7.59]; p = 0.009) and reduced edema (OR 0.45 [95% CI, 0.23-0.89]; p = 0.02) after ESS. However, hyaluronan nasal dressing failed to reduce synechia (OR 0.45 [95% CI, 0.19-1.03]; p = 0.06), crust (OR 1.00 [95% CI, 0.20-5.09]; p = 1.00), and infection (OR 0.84 [95% CI, 0.46-1.53]; p = 0.56) compared with the control group in patients who underwent ESS.

CONCLUSION

Compared with "Control intervention" indicates standard nasal dressing without hyaluronan, resorbable hyaluronan nasal dressing could significantly improve reepithelization and decrease edema but had no influence on synechia, crust, and infection after ESS.

Advances in Absorbable Biomaterials and Nasal Packing

Nasal biomaterials have been developed to improve postoperative outcomes after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). These products have been designed to overcome certain common complications in FESS, and to maximize patient comfort. This article evaluates the performance of nonabsorbable and absorbable packing with respect to these outcomes. The collected trials suggest superior performance of bioabsorbable packs compared with absorbable packs with respect to patient comfort. For hemostasis and wound healing, variation in performance metrics makes interstudy comparison difficult. Before further trials are conducted, consensus must be reached among rhinologists as to the proper method of evaluating these products.

Hyaluronic acid for post sinus surgery care: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery may result in adhesion formation. Hyaluronic acid may prevent synechiae development. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the current evidence on the clinical efficacy of hyaluronic acid applied to the nasal cavity after sinus surgery.

METHODS

Studies using hyaluronic acid as an adjunct treatment following endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis were identified. The primary outcome was adhesion formation rates. A meta-analysis was performed on adhesion event frequency. Secondary outcome measures included other endoscopic findings and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (501 patients) met the selection criteria. A meta-analysis of adhesion formation frequency on endoscopy demonstrated a lower risk ratio in the hyaluronic acid intervention group (42 out of 283 cases) compared to the control group (81 out of 282) of 0.52 (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.37-0.72). Hyaluronic acid use was not associated with any significant adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Hyaluronic acid appears to be clinically safe and well tolerated, and may be useful in the early stages after sinus surgery to limit adhesion rate. Further research, including larger randomised controlled trials, is required to evaluate patient- and clinician-reported outcomes of hyaluronic acid post sinus surgery.

Cytofunctional changes in nasal ciliated cells in patients treated with hyaluronate after nasal surgery

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a significant role in tissue repair of mucosal surfaces and, consequently, in surgical injury remodelling of nasal mucosa.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of high-molecular-weight HA administered by aerosol on the morphofunctional recovery of ciliated cells damaged by surgical trauma.

METHODS

A single-blind, prospective, randomized trial was carried out with 94 patients who were randomly assigned, after endoscopic turbinoplasty, either to treatment with nasal saline solution irrigation (control group, n = 47) or to treatment with nasal douches based on high concentration (9 mg) and high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate (active treatment group, n = 47). All the patients were evaluated by using nasal fiberendoscopy, mucociliary transport time, nasal cytologic test, and a visual analog scale in terms of symptoms before and at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

Visual analog scale values were significantly lower in the active treatment (AT) group at week 2 regarding each individual symptom. Mucociliary transport time was significantly reduced in patients in the AT group but only 1 month after surgery. Both the percentage of cellular impairments and the number of cells with hyperchromatic supranuclear stria showed significant improvements in the AT group in all postsurgery evaluations (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intranasal use of sodium hyaluronate in patients who underwent functional nasal surgery improved both mucociliary clearance and nasal mucosa regeneration due to a faster recovery of the impaired ciliated cells.

Reduction of adhesions and antrostomy stenosis with topical vitamin A after endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Prevention of adhesion formation and restoration of mucociliary mucosa are major determinants of the success of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Vitamin A (VA) can promote mucociliary differentiation of respiratory epithelium. However, whether topical VA can promote sinonasal wound healing or reduce adhesion formation after ESS in humans remains unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of topical VA on sinonasal wound healing and adhesion formation after ESS.

METHODS

This is a within-subject control study. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were included. Each patient underwent ESS, and topical VA was applied over the sinonasal wound. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by using the Lund-Kennedy score, and the antrostomy size was measured. In vitro wound healing assay of fibroblasts with or without VA was evaluated. Restoration of ciliated epithelium was examined by using scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enrolled. The mean (standard deviation {SD}) scores for scarring/adhesion in the VA-treated side at 3 and 12 months after surgery (0.20 ± 0.40 and 0.23 ± 0.42, respectively) were significantly lower than those in the controls (0.47 ± 0.50 and 0.53 ± 0.62, respectively). The mean (SD) antrostomy size in the VA treated side at 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery (0.85 ± 0.30 cm(2), 0.7 ± 0.30 cm(2), and 0.70 ± 0.27 cm(2), respectively) were significantly larger than those in the controls (0.79 ± 0.26 cm(2), 0.60 ± 0.25 cm(2), and 0.57 ± 0.24 cm(2), respectively). Wound healing assay revealed that VA significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. Scanning electron microscopy showed mature ciliated cells in the VA-treated side.

CONCLUSION

Topical VA is a promising agent for sinonasal wound healing after ESS because it can promote mucociliary reepithelization, reduce adhesion, and prevent antrostomy stenosis.

Effect of sodium hyaluronate added to topical corticosteroids in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis

BACKGROUND

Available medical treatments for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) comprise systemic and topical therapies. Although topical corticosteroids are effective in the treatment of CRS, they are not completely devoid of adverse effects. Thus, care has to be taken when long-term treatments are prescribed. There is recent evidence that sodium hyaluronate (SH), the major component of many extracellular matrices, promotes tissue healing, including activation and moderation of the inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and quality of life in two groups of patients with CRSwNP treated with topical corticosteroids alone or in combination with 9 mg of high-molecular-weight SH.

METHODS

The impact of treatments was determined by using nasal endoscopy and validated quality of life questionnaires (Short Form-36, 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, visual analog scale [VAS]). Eighty subjects who had CRS with grade IV nasal polyposis: 40 diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (AR) and 40 with non-allergic-eosinophilic rhinitis (NARES) based on skin-prick test and nasal cytology results, were divided in two groups. Group I comprised 40 subjects (20 AR and 20 NARES), who received mometasone furoate plus SH; group II comprised 40 subjects (20 AR and 20 NARES), who received mometasone furoate plus saline solution alone. All the patients were followed up for 3 months.

RESULTS

At baseline, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups and the VAS score showed a moderate-to-severe degree of disease. After treatments, Lund and Kennedy, Short Form-36, 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, and VAS scores were statistically significant in both groups but slightly in favor of the group I and in the subjects with allergic CRSwNP.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of our data indicated that an SH supplement to standard corticosteroid seems to play an important role in improving the severity of symptoms, the endoscopic appearance, and discomfort associated with CRSwNP. This effect seems to be strongest in patients with allergic CRSwNP.

Biomaterials in Rhinology

Introduction

Many different kinds of rhinologic biomaterials, both nonabsorbable and absorbable, have been developed over the years to improve outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. In particular, these products have been designed to prevent postoperative bleeding, optimize the wound healing process, and reduce inflammation. This review evaluates the most recent evidence on biomaterials used in rhinology, focusing on these outcomes after ESS.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov.

Review Methods

A primary literature search based on the listed databases was performed with combinatorial search terms. Studies were considered for review if they met a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Conclusions

Some products have performed better than others in clinical trials, although significant heterogeneity among studies does not allow for selection of a clearly superior biomaterial. While nonabsorbable biomaterials are still effective in achieving certain outcomes, newer, absorbable substances may be just as effective and avoid the morbidity associated with nasal packing removal. Steroid-eluting biomaterials have shown promising early results in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.

Implications for Practice

Certain absorbable biomaterials, such as chitosan gel and fibrin glue, have performed well with respect to postoperative hemostasis and wound healing, although they do not address mucosal inflammation. Steroid delivery systems may play an increasingly important role in reducing disease recurrence after ESS, although more studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes.

Identifying preoperative factors associated with the postoperative nasal synechia in patients undergoing closed reduction of the nasal bone fracture

We conducted this study to identify preoperative factors that are associated with the postoperative nasal synechiae in patients with nasal bone fracture who underwent closed reduction.In the current single-center, retrospective study, we evaluated the fracture type, septal deviation angle (SDA), synechia scores (SSs) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores through a retrospective review of the medical records and computed tomography scans of 42 patients (n = 42) who had undergone closed reduction for nasal bone fracture at our medical institution during a period ranging from April to August 2013.The mean SS was significantly lower in the plane I group (n = 25) as compared with the plane II group (n = 17) (1.28 ± 1.77 vs 2.76 ± 1.89, P = 0.013). There was a significant positive correlation between the SDA and the SS with a formula of SS = 0.216SDA - 0.322 (r(2) = 0.532, P < 0.001) and between the SS and the VAS with a formula of VAS = 1.280SS + 0.612 (r(2) = 0.648, P < 0.001). Both the SS and VAS were significantly higher on the convex side as compared with the concave side of the nasal cavity.Our results indicate that patients with higher SDA or combined septal fractures might be at increased risks of developing the postoperative synechiae. Further large-scale, prospective studies are warranted to establish our results.

Comprehensive review on endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery

Endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery is the standard procedure for surgery of most paranasal sinus diseases. Appropriate frame conditions provided, the respective procedures are safe and successful. These prerequisites encompass appropriate technical equipment, anatomical oriented surgical technique, proper patient selection, and individually adapted extent of surgery. The range of endonasal sinus operations has dramatically increased during the last 20 years and reaches from partial uncinectomy to pansinus surgery with extended surgery of the frontal (Draf type III), maxillary (grade 3-4, medial maxillectomy, prelacrimal approach) and sphenoid sinus. In addition there are operations outside and beyond the paranasal sinuses. The development of surgical technique is still constantly evolving. This article gives a comprehensive review on the most recent state of the art in endoscopic sinus surgery according to the literature with the following aspects: principles and fundamentals, surgical techniques, indications, outcome, postoperative care, nasal packing and stents, technical equipment.

The potential role of hyaluronan in minimizing symptoms and preventing exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to prospectively evaluate the role of nebulized hyaluronic acid (HA) given for 10 days/mo over 3 months as adjunct treatment to minimize symptoms and preventing exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

METHODS

Thirty-nine eligible patients were randomized to receive nebulized 9-mg sodium hyaluronate nasal washes plus saline solution (21 patients) or 5 mL of saline alone (18 patients), according to an open-label, parallel-group design, with blind observer assessment. A questionnaire about main CRS discomfort and nasal endoscopy for mucous discharge and/or mucosal edema of nasal cavities was used to assess primary outcomes of treatments. Secondary outcome measures included side effects and satisfaction.

RESULTS

HA significantly improved quality of life in CRS patients according to the CRS questionnaire (16± 3.72 versus 11.52 ± 4.28; p < 0.001), contrary to saline group scores (18.92 ± 3.09 versus 18.21 ± 3.21; p = 0.55). The HA group showed significantly reduced osteomeatal edema (2.42 versus 1.52; p < 0.001) and secretions (0.95 versus 0.42; p < 0.001), whereas there was no statistically significant difference in the saline group. The compliance to the treatment was similar in both groups and no side effects were recorded.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggested that intermittent treatment with topical 9-mg sodium hyaluronate plays a role in minimizing symptoms and could prevent exacerbations of CRS.

Effect of aerosolized fibrin sealant on hemostasis and wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aerosolized fibrin sealant (FS) compared with that of polyvinyl acetal sponge packing on hemostasis and wound healing after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial of the use of aerosolized FS in 41 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral FESS between February 2011 and March 2012. The patients were randomized to receive FS applied via an aerosol spray in one nasal cavity and polyvinyl acetal sponge packing in the opposite cavity. The patients were followed up at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Crusting, adhesion, bleeding, granulation tissue formation, infection, and frontal sinus ostium stenosis after endoscopic surgery were assessed using a grading scale. Subjective symptoms related to nasal packing were evaluated using questionnaires quantified by visual analog scales.

RESULTS

The degree of granulation and crusting was significantly reduced in the side treated with FS compared with the polyvinyl acetal sponge side, as were bleeding and pain during nasal packing removal (p < 0.05). In addition, general satisfaction and willingness to reuse the material were significantly higher for the FS-treated side than for the polyvinyl acetal sponge-packed side (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with polyvinyl acetal sponge, aerosolized FS shows beneficial effects on hemostasis and wound healing after FESS. The application of FS resulted in a high degree of patient satisfaction without additional morbidity.

The influence of spray cryotherapy on wound healing following endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of spray cryotherapy on wound healing following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial.

METHODS

The study included 22 consecutive adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with and without polyps scheduled for bilateral ESS. At the end of the surgical procedure, patients were randomized to the distribution of spray cryotherapy in one middle meatus and saline contralaterally. Outcomes were only measured for endoscopy scores. Thus, postoperative healing and the amount of edema, crusting, secretions, and scarring were assessed using the validated Lund-Kennedy and Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy (POSE) scores.

RESULTS

There were no baseline differences concerning POSE and Lund-Kennedy scores between the two groups. Nevertheless, a significant difference was recorded at one, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks in both POSE (P = .001, P = .012, P = .02, P = .006, P = .001) and Lund-Kennedy (P = .002, P = .005, P = .02, P = .02, P = .03) scores.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary results reveal an improvement in postoperative scores, demonstrating enhanced healing following spray cryotherapy. However, without patient subjective outcomes, the study is limited. Additional studies with longer follow-up and larger samples are needed to describe the effects of cryotherapy on wound healing.

Self-cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel in ethmoidectomy: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel, self-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel compared with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) viscous foam in promoting healing when applied after ethmoidectomy. A prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial was performed. The study was performed by four surgeons operating in two community hospitals.

METHODS

Thirty patients with bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis underwent bilateral total ethmoidectomy. Intraoperatively, each patient received 5 mL of HA hydrogel in one ethmoid cavity and 5 mL of CMC contralaterally. The material applied within each ethmoid cavity was randomly assigned before surgery. An independent surgeon, blinded to the material used to treat each ethmoid cavity, evaluated postoperative endoscopic video at 1 and 2 weeks for edema, crusting, and mucopurulence and at 6 and 12 weeks for remucosalization and scarring/synechiae. Twenty-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test SNOT-20 data were collected at each visit. A small sample underwent endoscopic mucosal biopsy.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine of 30 patients completed the protocol. The difference in edema, crusting, and mucopurulence at 1 and 2 weeks was not statistically significant; however, at 6 and 12 weeks, the HA hydrogel showed statistically significant reduction in both overall endoscopic grade (p < 0.05), as well as synechiae formation (p < 0.05), with a trend toward superiority in remucosalization (p = 0.08). Histological analysis of six subjects at 12 weeks showed a nonsignificant trend toward a greater amount of regenerated cilia present with the HA hydrogel (p = 0.23). SNOT-20 scores declined 78.8% from preoperative scores.

CONCLUSION

Self-cross-linked HA hydrogel provides superior wound healing to CMC after ethmoidectomy.

Impact of intranasal sodium hyaluronate on the short-term quality of life of patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has become the treatment of choice for patients with medically resistant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and nasal polyps. Despite the consolidated use of different treatments, the postoperative period is often very painful and uncomfortable, especially during the first month. Although evidence on the effectiveness of sodium hyaluronate (SH) on postoperative care following FESS is available, data on the quality of life (QoL) from the patients' perspective are still lacking. This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the effectiveness of nasal douche with SH in reducing patients' discomfort during the first month following FESS.

METHODS

A double-blind randomized controlled study was carried out on 124 subjects undergoing FESS for CRS with nasal polyposis. They were divided into 2 groups: group I was treated with nasal douche containing 9 mg of high molecular weight SH plus saline solution and group II was treated with saline solution alone. To assess QoL in CRS patients, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) test, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaires were administered.

RESULTS

At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. However, after 30 days of long postoperative treatments, we found clinically significant improvements in QoL of subjects treated with SH, as evidenced by all QoL scales.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that SH significantly improves patients' short-term QoL following FESS in terms of both general health and specific sinonasal status.

Comparison of Ropivacaine, Bupivacaine, Prilocaine, and Lidocaine in the Management of Pain and Hemorrhage during Nasal Pack Removal

Background

This study investigates the effects of local anesthetics application on pain and hemorrhage caused by nasal pack removal.

Methods

The study included 140 patients. Of these, 72 were women and 68 were men. The mean age and weight of the patients were 33.67 ± 10.2 years (range, 21–63 years) and 69.6 ± 13.6 kg. The patients were divided randomly into four groups. Three of the four groups received one of the local anesthetics studied in our trial (lidocaine + adrenaline, 0.25% bupivacaine, or 2% prilocaine) before removal of the nasal packing material and the control group received saline solution. Local anesthetics and 0.9% saline solution were applied to Merocel nasal packs 15 minutes before removal. Each patient was given a questionnaire where verbal analog score and amount of postoperative hemorrhage was noted.

Results

The mean pain score was 3.5 ± 1.2 (median, 4; range, 3–5) in the lidocaine group, 4.5 ± 1.2 (median, 4; range 3–5) in the prilocaine group, 4.7 ± 1.3 (median, 6; range, 3–5) in the bupivacaine group, and 6.35 ± 1.2 (median, 6; range, 5–7) in the saline group during nasal packing removal. The lidocaine group had significantly better pain scores versus other groups (p < 0.05). Bupivacaine and prilocaine had significantly better pain scores versus the control group, respectively. Analysis of bleeding scores after pack removal showed that all three study groups had significantly better bleeding scores versus the control saline group (p < 0.05). The lidocaine group had significantly less bleeding score than bupivacaine and prilocaine groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Topical lidocaine application before removal of nasal packs in patients who undergo nasal septal surgery can decrease discomfort and bleeding and improve patient tolerance.