Postoperative Nasal Irrigation Using Mucolytic Agents

Summary

Nasal irrigation techniques have been used for many years and been shown to improve symptoms of rhinosinusitis. Although there is a wealth of literature available, establishing treatment protocols can be difficult because of the great variability in recommended composition (seawater or hypertonic or isotonic saline with or without additives) and irrigation technique (variations in pressure and volume). Nasal irrigation is also used in many centers as part of postoperative treatment protocols and in particular has been recommended following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Nasal crusting and thick nasal discharge have a negative impact on these patients quality of life (QOL). At the time of our study, there are no studies comparing irrigation with mucolysis with saline irrigation following ESS. The investigators aimed to assess whether mucolysis is effective at improving patients QOL and reducing postoperative signs as assessed endoscopically.

Timeline

Start

2012-06

Primary completion

2013-06

Completion

2013-12

Drugs

Indications

No indication recorded.