Prophylactic antibiotics in endoscopic sinus surgery: a short follow-up study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a common procedure for sinonasal diseases.
• The role of postoperative antibiotics in ESS recovery remains a subject of investigation.
• Optimizing the postoperative period is crucial for patient outcomes and healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative antibiotics in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
• To determine if amoxicillin/clavulanate improves early healing outcomes after ESS.
• To assess the impact of antibiotics on symptom scores and endoscopic findings post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
• Fifty patients received amoxicillin/clavulanate post-ESS; fifty received a placebo for two weeks.
• Symptom, endoscopic, and CT scores were recorded pre- and post-operatively; Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for healing time.

Main Results:

• Seventy-five patients completed the study (40 antibiotic, 35 placebo).
• Nasal obstruction and drainage significantly improved by day 5 in the antibiotic group.
• Endoscopic scores showed statistically significant differences favoring the antibiotic group on days 5 and 12.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative amoxicillin/clavulanate enhances early healing after ESS.
• Antibiotic use reduces nasal obstruction and drainage during the critical crusting phase.
• Objective endoscopic evidence supports faster recovery with postoperative antibiotics.