Mitomycin C in sinus surgery: preliminary results in a rabbit model

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Mitomycin C (MMC) is an antineoplastic agent known for its antiproliferative effects on fibroblasts.
• Topical MMC is commonly used in ophthalmology procedures.
• Postoperative stenosis is a potential complication following maxillary antrostomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of topical Mitomycin C (MMC) in inhibiting mucosal healing at maxillary antrostomy sites.
• To determine if MMC application can reduce the risk of postoperative stenosis.
• To evaluate the impact of MMC on the healing process and diameter of antrostomies.

Main Methods:

• Maxillary antrostomies were surgically created in 10 rabbits.
• Mitomycin C (MMC) was topically applied to one antrostomy site per rabbit, with the contralateral site serving as a control.
• Antrostomy areas were precisely measured after a 3-week healing period.

Main Results:

• A significantly lower rate of closure was observed in MMC-treated antrostomies (1 of 10) compared to control sites (7 of 10) (p = .014).
• The mean area of MMC-treated antrostomies was significantly larger than control antrostomies (p = .0039).
• No systemic side effects or permanent microscopic damage were noted; mucosa showed normal re-epithelialization.

Conclusions:

• Topical Mitomycin C (MMC) application effectively slows the postoperative healing of rabbit nasal mucosa following antrostomy.
• MMC treatment resulted in wider antrostomy openings, suggesting a potential to decrease postoperative stenosis.
• Further research is warranted to validate these findings in human patients undergoing functional endoscopic surgery.