Comparison on the Efficacy of Dexpanthenol in Sea Water and Saline in Postoperative Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Supranee Fooanant MD*, Saisawat Chaiyasate MD*, Kannika Roongrotwattanasiri MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai
Objective : To compare the efficacy of dexpanthenol spray and saline irrigation in the postoperative care of
sinusitis patients following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
Material and Method: One hundred twenty eight sinusitis patients undergoing ESS were randomly allocated
to receive dexpanthenol spray (Mar plus) or saline irrigation twice a day for 4 weeks after the operation. Total
nasal symptom score, crusting, infection, compliance, and patient satisfaction were evaluated at 1, 2-3, 4-6,
and 12 weeks. Mucociliary clearance was assessed with the saccharin test before ESS and at the last visit. One
hundred ten patients remained at the present study termination. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test
were employed.
Results : Total nasal symptom score, mucociliary clearance, and infection improved in both groups after the
operation. The dexpanthenol group resulted in a better mucociliary clearance than saline irrigation (9.93 +
6.04 vs. 12.38 + 9.32 min, p = 0.43). Saline irrigation resulted in a greater reduction of post nasal drip than
dexpanthenol at the first visit (74% vs. 87%, p = 0.04). Compliance and patient satisfaction were comparable.
Conclusion : The efficacy of dexpanthenol was comparable to nasal saline irrigation in the postoperative care
of sinusitis patients following endoscopic sinus surgery. Dexpanthenol is an alternative treatment, which may
be useful in young children and complicated cases.
Keywords : Chronic sinusitis, Nasal irrigation, Sea water
