Microporous polysaccharide hemospheres do not increase synechiae after sinus surgery: randomized controlled study.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Absorbable packing materials are common after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
• Some packing agents may promote synechiae formation (nasal adhesions).
• Microporous polysaccharide hemospheres (MPH) is a plant-based hemostatic agent with no adverse effects on sinus mucosa in animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of MPH on healing and synechiae formation following ESS in human subjects.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of MPH as a post-operative packing agent.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study.
• Forty adult patients undergoing ESS received MPH unilaterally; the contralateral side served as untreated control.
• Outcomes including synechiae, edema, and infection were assessed via endoscopy at 7, 14, and 30 days postoperatively.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in synechiae formation between MPH-treated (10%) and untreated (7.5%) sides (p=0.7639).
• No significant differences observed in postoperative edema (p=0.7480) or infection rates (p=0.5533).
• No complications reported; all patients discharged same-day.

Conclusions:

• Microporous polysaccharide hemospheres (MPH) do not increase synechiae formation after ESS.
• MPH does not appear to negatively impact the healing of postoperative sinus cavities.
• MPH is a safe and potentially effective option for post-ESS packing.