Background: The optimal form of nasal packing after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) still has not been established Although wide variations exist among sinus surgeons, the goals are adequate hemostasis, rapid healing, and patient comfort. Preliminary studies indicated that FloSeal (FS), a novel absorbable hemostatic paste used as a nasal pack, was associated with minimal postoperative discomfort and effective hemostasis. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of this agent on mucosal healing in ESS.
Methods: Twenty consecutive patients underwent bilateral ESS. For each patient, one ethmoid cavity was randomized to receive FS and the other received thrombin-soaked gelatin foam. The extent of granulation tissue and adhesion formation was evaluated at 6-8 weeks after surgery.
Results: No significant differences were observed between the FS and the thrombin-soaked gelatin foam groups with respect to the preoperative Lund-Mackay score, extent of surgery performed, or need for additional nasal packing. However, the FS group showed clear trends toward increased granulation tissue (p = 0.007) and adhesion (p = 0.006) formation.
Conclusion: Absorbable hemostatic agents are associated with a high degree of patient comfort and provide hemostasis comparable with traditional techniques. Different materials may induce differential patterns of mucosal healing, potentially affecting the ultimate result of ESS.