Effect of a Chitosan-Based Biodegradable Middle Meatal Dressing after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Study

Introduction: The use of biomaterials to improve wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is not new. Many types of resorbable and non-resorbable materials have been tried as a middle meatal (MM) dressing, spacer, or stent to prevent lateralization of the middle turbinate, formation of synechia, granulation tissue, adhesions and scarring. The FDA has recently approved Chitosan-based nasal dressing/spacers which have optimal wound healing characteristics, including hemostatic and bacteriostatic properties. Herein, we compare a new chitosan-based biomaterial to a popular fully synthetic resorbable dressing in patients undergoing ESS. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was performed comparing a new Chitosan-based bioresorbable nasal dressing (Posi-Sep X) against a previously studied and well known fully synthetic polyurethane-based control (Nasopore). Post-operative outcome metrics included the degree of crusting, amount of retained implant, patient comfort, wound healing, epistaxis, and post-operative infection at two weeks. Results: Thirty-five patients were enrolled and a total seventy implants were placed (n = 70) at the completion of ESS. The results show a statistically significant difference between the Chitosan-based product and the control with respect to wound healing, degree of crusting, and resorption profile. In addition, the Chitosan-based dressing had a markedly lower requirement for post-operative debridement, and a lower incidence of OPEN ACCESS