Triamcinolone-impregnated bioabsorbable middle meatus packing following endoscopic sinus surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Topical steroids are a mainstay in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Multiple delivery methods of topical steroids following sinus surgery have been investigated. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the effect of triamcinolone-impregnated absorbable nasal packing on healing following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 22 subjects (14 without polyps and eight with polyps) were enrolled and were randomized to receive triamcinolone-impregnated packing in one sinus cavity and normal saline-soaked packing in the contralateral sinus cavity. Endoscopic evaluation was completed at the first two postoperative visits, and Lund-Kennedy (LK) endoscopic scores and perioperative sinus endoscopy (POSE) scores were calculated at each visit.

Results: The results of this study found no significant difference in the appearance of the sinuses at either postoperative visit. Mean LK scores for the triamcinolone and saline groups at the first and second postoperative visits were 2.09 ± 1.23 versus 2.18 ± 1.01 (p = 0.79) and 1.79 ± 1.08 versus 1.68 ± 1.16 (p = 0.77), respectively. POSE scores were 2.59 ± 1.71 versus 2.68 ± 1.62 (p = 0.86) and 1.74 ± 1.15 versus 1.95 ± 1.22 (p = 0.59).

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated no significant difference in healing, crusting, polyps, edema, or secretions between the triamcinolone-treated and non-triamcinolone-treated sinuses. There were no adverse effects from the use of triamcinolone-impregnated absorbable packing. Further studies will be necessary to determine the impact of triamcinolone-impregnated absorbable packing following ESS.