Our Summary

This study compared two methods of treating chronic rhinosinusitis (a long-term sinus infection): a steroid-releasing sinus stent (a small tube placed in the sinus) and a Nasopore pack (an absorbable packing material).

The study included 181 patients who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery. The patients were randomly given the steroid stent in one sinus, and the Nasopore pack in the other. The patients were then checked 14, 30, and 90 days after surgery.

The results showed that the steroid stent was more effective than the Nasopore pack in reducing the need for further surgery, and in preventing the formation of nasal polyps (small growths in the nose). There was no significant difference between the two treatments when it came to preventing the displacement of the middle turbinate (a structure within the nose).

No adverse events related to the devices were reported.

The conclusion is that steroid-releasing stents show promise for improving outcomes after surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis. However, further long-term studies are needed. Both treatments were effective in maintaining the openness of the sinus and preventing displacement of the middle turbinate.

FAQs

  1. What were the two methods of treating chronic rhinosinusitis compared in this study?
  2. How did the effectiveness of the steroid-releasing sinus stent compare to the Nasopore pack in the study?
  3. What was the conclusion of the study regarding the use of steroid-releasing stents and Nasopore packs after sinus surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

Overall, the important tip a doctor might give a patient about sinus surgery is to discuss with them the option of using a steroid-releasing sinus stent as part of their post-operative care plan. This method may help reduce the need for further surgery and prevent the formation of nasal polyps. It is essential for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome after sinus surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who have undergone endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended for sinus surgery with a steroid-releasing sinus stent based on the findings of this study. These patients may benefit from the reduced need for further surgery and prevention of nasal polyps. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for each individual patient.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, and loss of smell.
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan or endoscopy, to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Patient may try conservative treatments, such as antibiotics or nasal corticosteroids, before deciding to undergo surgery.

After sinus surgery:

  • Patient undergoes endoscopic sinus surgery to remove blockages in the sinuses and improve drainage.
  • Patient may receive a steroid-releasing sinus stent or Nasopore pack to help with healing and reduce inflammation.
  • Patient is monitored at 14, 30, and 90 days post-surgery to assess outcomes and complications.
  • Results show that the steroid stent is more effective in reducing the need for further surgery and preventing nasal polyps compared to the Nasopore pack.
  • Both treatments are effective in maintaining sinus openness and preventing displacement of the middle turbinate.
  • No adverse events related to the devices are reported.
  • Further long-term studies are needed to fully evaluate the benefits of steroid-releasing stents for chronic rhinosinusitis.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential benefits of using a steroid-releasing sinus stent compared to a Nasopore pack for chronic rhinosinusitis?
  2. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with using a steroid-releasing sinus stent?
  3. How long does the steroid-releasing sinus stent typically stay in place after surgery?
  4. Will I need to have the steroid-releasing sinus stent removed at a later date?
  5. How soon after surgery can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms with the steroid-releasing sinus stent?
  6. Are there any specific precautions or follow-up care instructions I should be aware of if I choose to have a steroid-releasing sinus stent placed during surgery?
  7. How does the cost of using a steroid-releasing sinus stent compare to using a Nasopore pack for chronic rhinosinusitis treatment?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or additional treatments that I should consider in conjunction with using a steroid-releasing sinus stent for chronic rhinosinusitis?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after surgery if I choose to have a steroid-releasing sinus stent placed?
  10. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies investigating the long-term effectiveness of steroid-releasing sinus stents for chronic rhinosinusitis that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Huang Z, Zhou B, Wang D, Zang H, Zhang H, Wang H, Wang S, Cheng L, Li J, Wu W, Zhou H, Wu H. Journal: Ear Nose Throat J. 2022 May;101(4):260-267. doi: 10.1177/0145561320947632. Epub 2020 Aug 26. PMID: 32845808