Efficacy of targeted middle meatal antibiotics and endoscopic sinus surgery

Rohan C Wijewickrama1, Peter J Catalano, Rahul Gupta

  • 1St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02135, USA.

Abstract

Insights

A new study found that antibiotic-soaked nasal sponges are as effective as oral antibiotics for preventing infection after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This topical approach may reduce systemic antibiotic use and associated complications.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Surgical Infection Prevention
  • Rhinosinusitis Treatment

Background:

  • Postoperative infection is a common complication of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
  • Existing treatments include oral antibiotic prophylaxis, which can have side effects and compliance issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of a synthetic bioabsorbable antibiotic-soaked nasal sponge in the middle meatus (MM) versus conventional oral antibiotics for preventing postoperative infection after ESS.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective randomized multicenter trial involved 321 chronic rhinosinusitis patients undergoing ESS.
  • Patients received either oral antibiotics with a saline-soaked sponge or no oral antibiotics with a bacitracin-soaked sponge in the MM.
  • Outcomes were assessed using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test and nasal endoscopy at baseline, 3 weeks, and 3 months.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in the 3-week postoperative infection rate between the antibiotic sponge group (5.4%) and the oral antibiotic group (3.8%).
  • No significant differences were observed in middle meatus granulations, synechia, middle turbinate lateralization, or sponge retention between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic-soaked bioabsorbable sponges are equivalent to oral antibiotics in controlling post-ESS infections.
  • Topical antibiotic delivery via sponges offers a potential alternative to systemic antibiotics, reducing side effects, drug interactions, and compliance concerns.