Effects of dexamethasone versus saline-impregnated nasal packing on the postoperative outcome of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery: A randomized controlled trial

@#<p><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To evaluate the effects of Dexamethasone-impregnated absorbable nasal pack versus saline-impregnated nasal packing on postoperative outcome of nasal cavities after endoscopic sinus surgery using the Perioperative Sinus Evaluation Scoring System (POSE) and Lund and Kennedy Endoscopic Scoring System. </p> <p><strong>METHODS:</strong></p> <p><strong>Design:</strong> Prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial</p> <p><strong>Setting:</strong> Single Center Tertiary Government Hospital</p> <p><strong>Participants:</strong> Nineteen (19) patients aged 15 years old and above, diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis, with nasal polyposis grade 3, who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery from January 2015 to August 2015 </p> <p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Nasal cavities that received postoperative dexamethasone-impregnated nasal packs showed significantly lower POSE scores than placebo on post-op Days 14 (p value 0.0022; 95% CI: -2.113 to -0.5116) as well as lower Lund-Kennedy Scores on post-op day 14 (p value of 0.0180; 95% CI: -2.493 to - 0.2571) and day 28 (p value of 0.007; 95% CI: -1.56275 to -0.2832) </p> <p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Dexamethasone-impregnated absorbable nasal packing affords better postoperative outcomes: less edema, crusting, secretions, and synechiae, than saline-impregnated absorbable packing in later postoperative days.</p>