Evaluating the efficacy of nasal irrigation in postoperative functional endoscopic sinus surgery patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a mainstay surgical intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Nasal irrigation, particularly with normal saline, is a widely recommended postoperative care modality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of various nasal irrigation solutions in postoperative FESS patients.

A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases for randomized controlled trials investigating normal saline and various substances for nasal irrigation post-FESS. The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, and the meta-analysis used R software for data synthesis. Outcome measures included SNOT-22 and LKES scores. The Cochrane tool was employed to evaluate the potential for bias.

Results from 14 studies, focusing on six each for SNOT-22 and LKES, revealed a significant reduction in symptoms and endoscopic scores with various solutions compared to normal saline. The meta-analysis using the random-effects model indicated a negative standardized mean difference (SMD) of − 0.69(95% CI [− 1.64; 0.27], p = 0.157) for symptoms and endoscopic scores (SMD = − 0.48, 95% CI [− 1.32; 0.36], z = − 1.12, p = 0.264). Subgroup analyses highlighted budesonide’s efficacy over normal saline, but substantial heterogeneity and potential publication bias were noted.

Nasal irrigation with various solutions postoperative FESS patients demonstrated significant improvements in patient-reported symptoms and endoscopic scores compared to normal saline. Budesonide appeared particularly effective. However, high heterogeneity and potential publication bias warrant cautious interpretation. Standardized outcome measures and further research are needed to strengthen the evidence.