title: Clinical outcome and patient satisfaction using biodegradable (NasoPore) and non-biodegradable packing, a double-blind, prospective, randomized study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nasal packing after endoscopic sinus surgery is used as a standard procedure. The optimum solution to minimize or eliminate all disadvantages of this procedure may be accomplished using biodegradable packs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare patient satisfaction and clinical outcome associated with absorbable and non-absorbable packing after FESS.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 50 patients were included in a prospective, double-blind, randomized trial. One side was packed with polyurethane foam, while the opposite side was packed with gauze packing. On the 2nd, 10th, and 30th postoperative day, the patients were questioned with the aid of a visual analog scale. The standardized questionnaires for bleeding, nasal breathing, feeling of pressure, and headache were used. The presence of synechiae, infection, or granulation was noted and recorded with the video-endoscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant difference according to lower pressure was found in the NasoPore group compared to the controls on day ten after surgery. The NasoPore packing had lower scores with respect to postoperative nose blockage on the 2nd and 10th days. Mucosal healing was better for the NasoPore group, both at day ten and 30 compared with the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The overall patient comfort is higher when using NasoPore compared to non-resorbable traditional impregnated gauze packing. Intensive saline douches applied three to four times per day are mandatory after the operation to prevent synechiae formation and fluid resorption by the packing.
authors.affiliation: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Medicine, Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology Collegium Medicum, Toruń, Poland. Electronic address: pburduk@wp.pl.
authors.forename: Pawel Krzysztof
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Burduk
authors.affiliation: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Medicine, Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology Collegium Medicum, Toruń, Poland.
authors.forename: Malgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wierzchowska
authors.affiliation: University Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
authors.forename: Blazej
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Grześkowiak
authors.affiliation: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology of Hearing and Balance System, Toruń, Poland.
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kaźmierczak
authors.affiliation: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Collegium Medicum, Toruń, Polônia.
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wawrzyniak
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000601:surgery*; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000601:surgery*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011140:Polyurethanes; C028279:polyurethane foam
keywords: Biodegradable packing; Cicatrização da mucosa; Cirurgia FESS; FESS surgery; Follow-up; Mucosal healing; Patient satisfaction; Satisfação do paciente; Seguimento; Tampão biodegradável