Open AccessCase Series with Endoscopic Findings of a Novel Nasal Irrigation Protocol for Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Author(s) -
Mehra Saral,
Chandler Michael,
Prasad Mukesh
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599811416318a242
Subject(s) - medicine , refractory (planetary science) , chronic rhinosinusitis , regimen , endoscopy , surgery , nasal polyps , protocol (science) , treatment protocol , nasal spray , anesthesia , nasal administration , physics , alternative medicine , pathology , astrobiology , immunology
Objective Present an innovative treatment protocol for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in order for practitioners to 1) learn of a new topical treatment regimen, 2) be able to apply this protocol to their own patients, and 3) understand the proposed mechanism of its action. Method Case series of 20 patients with refractory CRS treated with a novel topical sinus regimen that included diluted baby shampoo between June 2009 and June 2010 with analysis of patient, disease, and treatment characteristics. Treatment endpoints include subjective improvement of nasal symptoms and objective improvements on nasal endoscopy. Results Our novel treatment protocol involves gentamicin 20 mg per 240 mL (8 ounces), Johnson’s Baby Shampoo 1 drop per 240 mL, and pulmicort respules 1 mg per 240 mL. Patients are advised to use 120 mL via a 240 mL squeeze bottle. We then remove the gentamicin, pulmicort, or both, and track patient progress based on symptomatic improvement and improvements seen on nasal endoscopy. All patients had positive response using this treatment protocol after failed medical and surgical management with a variety of other topical and systemic therapies. Two notable cases are presented with endonasal photos to illustrate the positive response achieved using this treatment protocol. Conclusion This novel sinus irrigation treatment protocol is effective in the treatment of CRS as documented by subjective improvements in nasal symptoms as well as significant improvement in nasal endoscopic findings. This protocol is well tolerated by patients and should be considered by otolaryngologists and allergists treating refractory CRS.