Comparison of Post op Outcomes in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Using Varying Nasal Sinus Irrigations. Saline vs. Saline and Budesonide vs Saline, Budesonide, and Culture Directed Topical Antibiotics

The group of patients from which the study tem will recruit consists of patients referred to the University of Florida tertiary referral rhinology practice of Dr. Jeb Justice and Dr. William Collins. Patients with CRS defined by symptom, endoscopic, and radiographic criteria who are candidates for surgical intervention will be identified by the above-mentioned investigators. As part of their initial pre operative work up they will be asked to fill out SNOT-22 and RSDI surveys. As part of their surgery intraoperative cultures will be obtained from the surgically opened sinus cavities. The above radiologic, endoscopic procedures, cultures and QOL/symptoms surveys are typical in the workup of patients who present with rhinologic related problems. None of the above tests will be undertaken for the sole purpose of this study.

If the patient meets criteria, he/she will be approached by one of the investigators about participating in the research study. Information regarding the study, including the informed consent form, will be extensively discussed. If the patient agrees to take part in this study, the consent form will be provided for review and will then be signed. This consent form will be kept in a secure locked location with access given only to study staff identified in the Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol. It will be explained to the patients that there is no obligation for them to participate in the study and that they can drop out of the study at any time without repercussions regarding their care.

If a patient elects to be a part of the study they will be randomized into one of three treatment arms. This process will be done by placing an equal number of note cards in envelopes. The note cards will contain either a "1", "2", or "3" to represent the different treatment arms. These will be placed in the envelopes, shuffled, and kept in a box in the otolaryngology clinic. At the patient's first postoperative appointment an envelope is drawn and it is documented which treatment arm the patient will be treated under.

All patients will begin with normal saline irrigations immediately following surgery as per our department's standard of care. At their first one week post op appointment they will then begin treatment per the treatment arm. The first treatment arm will consist of patients that are given only saline nasal irrigations to be performed twice daily. The second arm will be given a prescription for nasal saline + budesonide to be performed twice daily. The final arm will be given a prescription for nasal saline + budesonide + a culture directed topical antibiotic. These treatments are commonly used in our practice and will be obtained through the compounding pharmacies that are already in use by our practice.

Patients will be seen in follow up at 1-2 week, 3-4 week, 6-8 week, and 10-12 week follow up appointments. At each of these appointments they will undergo nasal endoscopy and debridement as is standard following endoscopic sinus surgery. They will also be asked to fill out SNOT-22 and RSDI surveys to monitor their progression.