Post-operative management following endoscopic sinus surgery in the UK: a survey of The British Rhinological Society.

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of our study was to survey ENT surgeons who perform functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the UK regarding their post-sinus surgery practices.

Method: A 28-item questionnaire on post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery practices was distributed electronically to ENT UK members specialising in rhinology.

Results: Ninety (90 per cent) surgeons prescribe saline nasal irrigation post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery but administration timing and methods vary. Following functional endoscopic sinus surgery, 17.7 per cent (n = 17) of respondents routinely prescribe antibiotics, whilst about a quarter (26.0 per cent, n = 25) do not prescribe antibiotics at all. The rest of the respondents only prescribe antibiotics in specific cases. Thirty-three (34.7 per cent) respondents do not prescribe oral steroids whilst most clinicians (83.9 per cent, n = 78) prescribe intranasal corticosteroids post-operatively.

Conclusion: Our study highlights homogeneous, evidence-based practices post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery from UK-based specialists, specifically in the use of saline irrigation and intranasal corticosteroids. However, our cohort displayed significant heterogeneity regarding oral antibiotics, oral steroids, and other specific aspects of post-operative care.