Povidone-Iodine Nasal Irrigation After Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common inflammatory disease characterized by symptoms such as nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, facial pressure, and decreased sense of smell. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is often performed in patients whose symptoms do not improve with medical treatment. Postoperative nasal irrigation is widely used to promote mucosal healing and remove secretions in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Povidone-iodine has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is commonly used as a disinfectant. It has been suggested that diluted povidone-iodine solution may improve postoperative wound healing and provide additional antimicrobial effects when used as a nasal irrigation solution. However, concerns exist regarding the potential ototoxicity of povidone-iodine if it enters the middle ear during irrigation.

This prospective randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nasal irrigation using normal saline, mucomyst, or diluted povidone-iodine solution after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Patients will receive nasal irrigation for three months after surgery. Clinical outcomes, symptom scores, endoscopic findings, and hearing-related tests including pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions will be evaluated to assess treatment effectiveness and potential ototoxicity.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis
• Patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS)
• Patients who performed postoperative nasal irrigation for 3 months
• Patients who completed the follow-up evaluation and agreed to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• History of chronic otitis media
• Presence of otitis media with effusion at the time of evaluation
• History of previous middle ear surgery
• Known allergy to povidone-iodine
• Incomplete follow-up data
• Refusal to participate in the study