Our Summary

This study looked at whether it’s beneficial to use absorbable packing in the nose after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The research analyzed data from four studies, with a total of 148 participants. The results showed that absorbable packing might help in reducing the formation of adhesion (scar tissue) in the nose at 6-8 weeks and 12 weeks after surgery compared to not using any packing. However, the study could not find any significant difference in terms of crusting, swelling, and granulation (new tissue) formation between the packed and unpacked nose at 2, 6-8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Therefore, while the absorbable packing might not help in reducing swelling, granulation formation, and infection, it might be more effective in preventing mucosal adhesion after ESS. The research suggests more studies need to be done in this area.

FAQs

  1. Does using absorbable packing after endoscopic sinus surgery help reduce the formation of scar tissue?
  2. Does using absorbable packing after surgery make any difference in terms of crusting, swelling, and new tissue formation?
  3. Are there any other potential benefits of using absorbable packing after endoscopic sinus surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sinus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize complications. This may include keeping the nasal passages moist with saline sprays or rinses, avoiding strenuous activities that could increase blood pressure in the head, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or concerns to the doctor promptly to address any potential issues.

Suitable For

Sinus surgery is typically recommended for patients who have chronic sinusitis that does not respond to other treatments such as medication or nasal sprays. Patients with recurrent sinus infections, nasal polyps, deviated septum, or structural abnormalities in the sinuses may also be candidates for sinus surgery. Additionally, patients who have sinus issues that are impacting their quality of life, such as severe congestion, facial pain, or difficulty breathing, may benefit from sinus surgery. It is important for patients to consult with an ENT specialist to determine if sinus surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

  • Before sinus surgery:
  1. Patient experiences chronic sinusitis symptoms such as congestion, facial pain, headaches, and difficulty breathing.
  2. Patient consults with an otolaryngologist (ENT) to discuss treatment options, including medication and surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to determine the severity of their sinus issues and suitability for surgery.
  4. Patient schedules the sinus surgery procedure and receives pre-operative instructions.
  5. Patient may need to stop certain medications and follow specific dietary restrictions before surgery.
  • After sinus surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes endoscopic sinus surgery to remove blockages, open up the sinuses, and improve drainage.
  2. Patient wakes up from anesthesia in the recovery room and may experience some discomfort, swelling, and nasal congestion.
  3. Patient is monitored for any complications and may be discharged the same day or stay overnight in the hospital.
  4. Patient is prescribed pain medication, antibiotics, and nasal irrigation instructions to help with recovery.
  5. Patient follows up with their ENT for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  6. Patient gradually experiences improvements in their sinus symptoms, with reduced congestion, facial pain, and improved breathing over time.
  7. Patient may need to take time off work or limit physical activity during the initial recovery period.
  8. Patient may experience crusting, swelling, and mild discomfort in the nose during the healing process.
  9. Patient may need to avoid certain activities, such as blowing their nose or strenuous exercise, to prevent complications.
  10. Patient undergoes follow-up imaging or endoscopy to assess the success of the surgery and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of using absorbable packing in the nose after sinus surgery?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using absorbable packing?
  3. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with using absorbable packing?
  4. How long will the absorbable packing remain in place after surgery?
  5. Will the absorbable packing need to be removed or will it dissolve on its own?
  6. How will the absorbable packing affect my recovery process?
  7. Are there alternative options to using absorbable packing after sinus surgery?
  8. Will the use of absorbable packing impact my risk of developing complications after surgery?
  9. How will I know if the absorbable packing is working as intended?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow while the absorbable packing is in place?

Reference

Authors: Huang Z, Zhou B. Journal: ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2021;83(6):404-411. doi: 10.1159/000514793. Epub 2021 Aug 19. PMID: 34412060