Reduction of adhesions and antrostomy stenosis with topical vitamin A after endoscopic sinus surgery

Prevention of adhesion formation and restoration of mucociliary mucosa are major determinants of the success of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Vitamin A (VA) can promote mucociliary differentiation of respiratory epithelium. However, whether topical VA can promote sinonasal wound healing or reduce adhesion formation after ESS in humans remains unexplored.

To investigate the effect of topical VA on sinonasal wound healing and adhesion formation after ESS.

This is a within-subject control study. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were included. Each patient underwent ESS, and topical VA was applied over the sinonasal wound. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by using the Lund-Kennedy score, and the antrostomy size was measured. In vitro wound healing assay of fibroblasts with or without VA was evaluated. Restoration of ciliated epithelium was examined by using scanning electron microscopy.

Thirty patients were enrolled. The mean (standard deviation {SD}) scores for scarring/adhesion in the VA-treated side at 3 and 12 months after surgery (0.20 ± 0.40 and 0.23 ± 0.42, respectively) were significantly lower than those in the controls (0.47 ± 0.50 and 0.53 ± 0.62, respectively). The mean (SD) antrostomy size in the VA treated side at 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery (0.85 ± 0.30 cm(2), 0.7 ± 0.30 cm(2), and 0.70 ± 0.27 cm(2), respectively) were significantly larger than those in the controls (0.79 ± 0.26 cm(2), 0.60 ± 0.25 cm(2), and 0.57 ± 0.24 cm(2), respectively). Wound healing assay revealed that VA significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. Scanning electron microscopy showed mature ciliated cells in the VA-treated side.

Topical VA is a promising agent for sinonasal wound healing after ESS because it can promote mucociliary reepithelization, reduce adhesion, and prevent antrostomy stenosis.