Use of hylan B gel as a wound dressing after endoscopic sinus surgery.

Although serious sequelae of endoscopic sinus surgery are infrequent, more commonplace surgical management often involves the control of mucosal bleeding. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of an elastoviscous hylan gel as a postsurgical wound dressing for promotion of hemostasis. Twenty patients with a diagnosis of chronic sinusitis were evaluated. In randomized fashion, the gel dressing was placed into one operated cavity while the contralateral side served as the control. The results indicated that hylan gel was effective in stilling postsurgical bleeding, particularly in the fulminant polyposis cases who had a larger and more exposed cavity. These early results indicate a potential benefit of a gel dressing for hemostasis when used at the conclusion of the operative procedure. In addition, other parameters were evaluated in this study, including prevention of postoperative adhesions and the effect on mucosal healing. These parameters showed a positive result compared with the control group.