Our Summary

This study looked into how effective and safe a product called Chitogel is in helping wounds heal after a type of surgery called endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This surgery is used to treat a condition called chronic rhinosinusitis, where the sinuses in the nose are inflamed for a long time. After this surgery, some people have problems with their sinuses closing up too much and ongoing inflammation, which might mean they need more surgery. Dressings applied after surgery can help the wound heal better and improve the patient’s recovery.

In the study, some patients were given Chitogel, some were given Chitogel mixed with other substances (Deferiprone and Gallium Protoporphyrin), and some weren’t given anything (the control group). They checked on the patients after 2, 6, and 12 weeks, and they used different measures to see how well the patients were doing, including asking the patients about their symptoms.

The results showed that the patients who were treated with Chitogel had better symptom scores and their sinuses were more open compared to the control group. However, adding the extra substances to the Chitogel didn’t make a difference to how open the sinuses were or how well the lining of the nose healed. So, the study concluded that using Chitogel after this type of sinus surgery can lead to better outcomes for patients.

FAQs

  1. What is Chitogel and how does it help in the recovery of patients after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS)?
  2. Did adding extra substances to Chitogel improve the healing process or outcome after sinus surgery, according to the study?
  3. How was the effectiveness of Chitogel measured in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One tip that a doctor might give a patient about sinus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including using any recommended wound dressings or products like Chitogel to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider. Additionally, maintaining good sinus hygiene and avoiding irritants or allergens that could exacerbate sinus issues can help support the healing process and prevent future problems.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sinus surgery are those who have chronic rhinosinusitis that does not improve with other treatments like medications or nasal sprays. This condition can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, and a reduced sense of smell. Patients who have nasal polyps or structural issues in their sinuses that are causing blockages may also be recommended for sinus surgery. Additionally, patients who have recurrent sinus infections or complications such as sinusitis that spreads to the eyes or brain may also be candidates for sinus surgery.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, such as nasal congestion, facial pain, and headache.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests and consultations with an otolaryngologist to determine if sinus surgery is necessary.
  3. Surgery is scheduled, and the patient receives pre-operative instructions from their healthcare provider.

After sinus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes endoscopic sinus surgery to treat chronic rhinosinusitis.
  2. Dressings are applied to the surgical site to aid in wound healing.
  3. Some patients are given Chitogel or other substances to help with wound healing and reduce inflammation.
  4. Patients are monitored post-operatively at 2, 6, and 12 weeks to assess symptoms and sinus opening.
  5. Patients treated with Chitogel show better symptom scores and improved sinus opening compared to those in the control group.
  6. Patients who receive Chitogel experience better outcomes and improved healing of the nasal lining.

Overall, using Chitogel after sinus surgery can lead to better outcomes for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about sinus surgery and the use of Chitogel in their treatment plan may include:

  1. What is Chitogel and how does it work in promoting wound healing after sinus surgery?
  2. Am I a candidate for using Chitogel in my post-surgery care?
  3. Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with using Chitogel?
  4. How will using Chitogel affect my recovery time and overall outcome of the surgery?
  5. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I need to follow while using Chitogel?
  6. Will using Chitogel reduce the likelihood of needing additional sinus surgeries in the future?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or products that could be used instead of Chitogel?
  8. How long will I need to use Chitogel after my surgery?
  9. Will my insurance cover the cost of Chitogel or is it an out-of-pocket expense?
  10. Can I participate in any additional studies or follow-up appointments related to the use of Chitogel in sinus surgery?

Reference

Authors: Vediappan RS, Bennett C, Cooksley C, Bassiouni A, Scott JR, Al Suliman YA, Lumyongsatien J, Moratti S, Psaltis AJ, Vreugde S, Wormald PJ. Journal: Clin Otolaryngol. 2023 Mar;48(2):158-166. doi: 10.1111/coa.13996. Epub 2022 Nov 21. PMID: 36317791