Polyethylene oxide gel: a new dressing after endoscopic sinus surgery

The purpose of dressings after endoscopic sinus surgery is to absorb secretions, tamponade bleeding, discourage adhesions, and facilitate sinus and nasal hygiene. The ideal dressing should conform to the irregularities of the nasal-sinus cavity and resist adherence to the wounds so it can be easily removed. It should be economical, non-irritating, and antiseptic. The failure of previous dressings to fulfill all of these criteria led the author to evaluate a new alternative. Polyethylene oxide gel (Vigilon) was identified as a potential improvement and investigated in a clinical trial of 60 cases. This paper presents the author's observations and technique for application. Polyethylene oxide gel resulted in no significant complications. It appears superior to previously described dressings, primarily because of patient comfort at removal.