Effect of steroid-releasing sinus implants after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on postoperative outcomes: A meta-analytical study

Aims a meta-analysis to evaluate the steroid-releasing sinus implants in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in order to assess its efficacy. Settings and Design Meta analysis. Methods and Material The 4 trials enrolled a total of 539 patients utilizing an intrapatient control design. Postoperative day 30 videos were obtained for each patient, randomly ordered for grading of efficacy endpoints. The need for postoperative interventions, formation of polyposis, and adhesions were assessed. Results from the 4 studies were then pooled. Statistical analysis used Comprehensive Meta-Analysis© version 2 (Biostat TM , NJ, USA). Results Implants were successfully placed. According to the grading done by the panel, drug-releasing implants reduced significant adhesions by 2.5% (P=0.971), middle turbinate lateralization occurrence was 2.5% (P=0.954), polyp formation was 2% (P=0.830), the need for oral steroid intervention was 22% (P=0.173), significantly less need for postoperative therapeutic intervention 33% (P=0.305), or Surgical Lysis of Adhesions (LOA) intervention 14% (P=0.951), compared to controls. Conclusions Steroid-releasing implants improve surgical outcomes by reducing frank polyp formation, sinus adhesions, and middle turbinate lateralization. Steroid-releasing implants reduce the need for surgical intervention, and the need for oral steroid treatment.