The clinical effects of hyaluronic acid ester nasal dressing (Merogel) on intranasal wound healing after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the efficacy of MeroGel, an absorbable hyaluronic acid nasal dressing (HA) in reducing synechia after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) compared with Merocel, a nonabsorbable packing (NAP) requiring removal.


METHODS
We conducted a blinded, randomized, controlled trial of 37 patients requiring bilateral FESS for chronic sinusitis. Patients were randomized to placement of HA within the right or left middle meatus and NAP on the other side. Patients were evaluated at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively.


RESULTS
Blinded evaluation revealed 5 patients (14%) with synechia at last follow-up: 3 sides (8%) with HA and 3 (8%) with NAP. Thirteen patients (35%) had synechia at any visit, 10 sides (27%) with HA and 9 (24%) with NAP. Seven patients (19%) required lysis of synechia, 5 sides (14%) with HA and 3 (8%) with NAP.


CONCLUSIONS
We found no statistically significant difference between HA and NAP dressings.
Miller
Robert Sean
RS
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45627, USA. linusnavypilot@hotmail.com
Steward
David L
DL
Tami
Thomas A
TA
Sillars
Michael J
MJ
Seiden
Allen M
AM
Shete
Mona
M
Paskowski
Christopher
C
Welge
Jeff
J
D001458:Bandages; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000601:surgery; D000267:Tissue Adhesions; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D006820:Hyaluronic Acid