Comparison of delivery of topical medications to the paranasal sinuses via "vertex-to-floor" position and atomizer spray after FESS

INTRODUCTION: Topical nasal medications are frequently employed for persistent sinonasal symptoms after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in chronic rhinosinusitis patients. The optimal means for the delivery of these medications is unclear. In this study, the efficacy of the vertex to floor position compared to atomizer spray was evaluated in post-FESS patients. METHODS: Three trials were performed: two trials in which patients maintained the VF position for 1 and 5 minutes, respectively, after nasal drop administration were compared to a third trial utilizing an atomizer spray in the upright position. Two independent observers rated the distribution of fluorescein-dyed dexamethasone drops at 5 sinonasal sites: maxillary sinus (MS), ethmoid cavity (EC), frontal recess (FR), sphenoid sinus (SS), and olfactory cleft (OC). RESULTS: VF position consistently delivered nasal drops to the MS, EC SS, and OC. The atomizer distributed drops to the MS, EC, SS, and FR. The greatest difference was noted with the nasal drops in the olfactory cleft in the VF position; statistical significance was achieved with ANOVA testing (P = 0.012). Student's paired t test comparing trial 1 to 2, 1 to 3, and 2 to 3 demonstrated greater distribution in the OC at 5 minutes compared with 1 minute and spray (P = 0.042 and 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The VF position and atomizer spray were both effective in delivery of the dexamethasone drops to the paranasal sinuses. This has significant implications for management of patients suffering from recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis and/or sinonasal polyposis through the delivery of topical medications to the paranasal sinuses and olfactory cleft. EBM RATING: C. (C) 2005 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.