Long-term outcome of budesonide middle meatus treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis patients following endoscopic sinus surgery

Objective: To investigate the long term clinical effect of budesonide treatment in middle meatus for chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS) following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods: A total number of 53 patients with CRS received ESS were divided into two groups according to budesonide treatment: budesonide-treated group with 21 cases (39.6%) and control group with 32 cases (60.4%). Gelatin sponges soaked with 1 ml budesonide suspension were put in middle meatus in budesonide-treated group, while only gelatin sponges were put in middle meatus in control group. Visual analogy score (VAS), sino-nasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scale were carried out before ESS and two years after ESS.

Results: In budesonide-treated group, there were a statistical difference before and after ESS in the VAS, SNOT-20 and Lund-Kennedy score (P<. 05). In control group, difference was also significant in VAS, SNOT-20 and Lund-Kennedy score before and after ESS (P < 0.05). The VAS gap of post-operative and pre-operative in two groups are significantly different (P<. 05). However, there was no significant difference in the SNOT-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scale gap before or after the operation between two groups.

Conclusions: It is safe, convenient and practicable to perform budesonide treatment in middle meatus following ESS, which can significantly ease the post-operative discomfort of nose.