A study on role of topical application of mitomycin c postoperatively in reducing adhesions/synechiae after FESS in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: A Randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION

Synechiae formation is a common and undesired complication after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Mitomycin-c, known for its anti-proliferative and anti-fibroblastic properties holds potential for reducing synechiae and scar tissue formation following endoscopic sinus surgery. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of topically applied mitomycin-c postoperatively in minimising adhesions and nasal obstruction symptoms using the Lund- Kennedy Endoscopic Scoring and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This double-blind randomised study assessed topical mitomycin-c's efficacy in reducing adhesions post-FESS in 50 chronic rhino-sinusitis patients. Participants who were selected based on Lund-Mackay CT scores underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The mitomycin-c and saline-soaked nasal packs were placed in middle meatuses either of one in each nasal cavity. Postoperative care included antibiotics, analgesics and saline douching. Outcomes were evaluated at 1, 4 and 12 weeks using the NOSE (nasal obstruction symptom evaluation) questionnaire and Lund-Kennedy scoring to determine mitomycin-c's impact on nasal obstruction and synechiae formation.

RESULTS

The results indicated statistically significant variation between mitomycin-c and control sides in terms of symptoms and endoscopic findings in the first week postoperatively. By the fourth week, the clinical pictures of both sides were nearly identical.

DISCUSSION: Data suggested that low-dose mitomycin-c significantly reduces adhesions and improves nasal symptoms in the early postoperative period for chronic rhinosinusitis patients. These results align with previous research, supporting mitomycin-c as a valuable adjunctive therapy in sinus surgery. Future studies are recommended to explore varying dosages and application methods for potential differences in outcomes.