Topical Mitomycin C in functional endoscopic sinus surgery

In recent literature, there has been an interest in the use of Mitomycin C to reduce post-operative complications following endoscopic sinus surgery. We report our results on a prospective, randomized controlled trial involving 50 patients with chronic bilateral rhino sinusitis. We eliminated various confounding factors by studying a single group of patients, with symmetrical disease, without pre-existing gross anatomical abnormalities. Patients requiring revision sinus surgery were excluded. On completion of the surgery, a cotton pledget soaked in Mitomycin C was placed in one nostril (test) and saline-soaked pledget (control) was placed in the other side of the nose, both in the middle meatus. The side of the nasal cavity receiving the topical Mitomycin C was randomized. The patients were assessed periodically (first week, first month, third month and sixth month) for synechiae formation and presence or absence of their symptoms. At the first week follow up, there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of synechiae between the saline and Mitomycin C side. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant improvement with regards to patient symptoms (nasal block and discharge) in the Mitomycin C side when compared to the saline side. At the third and sixth month, there was no difference between the two groups. The incidence of adverse tissue reaction (granulation, discharge, polypoidal mucosa and crusting) was less in the Mitomycin C side when compared to the saline side at the first month follow up. Topically applied Mitomycin C reduces the incidence of synechiae in the immediate post-operative period in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. There is also an improvement in nasal obstruction and discharge with a reduction in the incidence of adverse tissue reaction in the early post-operative period.