Xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1 per cent versus physiological saline in nasal surgical aftercare: a randomised, single-blinded, comparative clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
A variety of topical preparations are used for symptomatic relief following nasal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two commonly used products on patient symptom scores following nasal surgery.


METHODS
Randomised, single-blinded, comparative clinical trial.


METHODS
A single, secondary otorhinolaryngology centre.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty patients undergoing septoplasty or functional endoscopic sinus surgery as an isolated procedure between November 2003 and January 2006. Patients undergoing additional nasal procedures were excluded, as were those requiring additional post-operative medications other than standardised analgesia.


METHODS
Following nasal surgery, patients were randomised to receive either xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1 per cent nasal spray or a sterile physiological saline aerosol.


METHODS
Visual analogue scale symptom scores for nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, pain, loss of sense of smell and bleeding were assessed at day 10 post-operatively.


RESULTS
Post-operative symptom scores were compared between treatment groups. Overall, median pain scores were significantly higher in the xylometazoline group (p = 0.03, chi-square test). When analysed by procedure, median pain scores were significantly higher in septoplasty patients using xylometazoline (p = 0.019, chi-square test).


CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence to support the use of xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1 per cent nasal spray over aerosolised physiological saline alone, following nasal surgery. Furthermore, there may be more pain associated with the post-operative use of xylometazoline.
Humphreys
M R
MR
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland, UK. mrhumphreys@doctors.org.uk
Grant
D
D
McKean
S A
SA
Eng
C Y
CY
Townend
J
J
Evans
A S
AS
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D007093:Imidazoles; D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D012965:Sodium Chloride; C009695:xylometazoline