A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Postoperative Debridement Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The significant heterogeneity present in the current literature regarding the use of postoperative debridement warrants additional studies that document postoperative protocols and use universally accepted endoscopy scores in order to consistently track patient outcomes. Further investigation into the efficacy of postoperative debridement is especially interesting with the potential benefits of further reduced synechiae formation and edema. Conversely, if objective evidence fails to demonstrate benefit of postoperative debridement, there could be significant cost and time saving for healthcare professionals in removing this therapy from the postoperative protocols.

We hypothesize that postoperative debridement will have a significant effect on reducing the rates of synechiae formation. In addition, we hypothesize that this improvement in synechiae development will also be matched by improvements in postoperative endoscopic sinus scoring, and patient's overall symptoms at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

This study can clarify the efficacy of postoperative debridement and the potential benefits of further reduced synechiae formation and edema, and thus decrease the rates of complication and revision surgery. Conversely, if objective evidence fails to demonstrate benefit of postoperative debridement, there could be significant cost and time saving for healthcare professionals in removing this therapy from the postoperative protocols.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (as defined by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery)
• Consented to proceed with bilateral ESS
• Require bilateral middle meatus spacers postoperatively
• Adequate fluency in English to provide consent and complete surveys

Exclusion criteria

• History of immune deficiency
• Allergic fungal sinusitis
• Cystic Fibrosis