Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Rhinosurgery

Abstract

Background This study investigated the in vivo efficacy of nasal packing containing an antibiotic substance after septal and turbinate surgery on the potentially infectious nasal flora (Staphylococcus aureus, etc.) without systemic administration of antibiotics. Methods The study was designed as an exploratory randomized trial. Three types of packings were used on 110 patients because of septoplasty and/or turbinate surgery. Packings were distributed randomly among three groups. The first and second groups received an antibiotic-free sample (polyvinyl acetate sponge and cotton gauze strips with sea-salt ointment) and the third group received an antibiotic one (cotton gauze strips with polymyxin-B-sulfate and oxytetracycline ointment). The nasal flora was determined by microscopy and cultures, both preoperatively and after elimination of the packing. Results Significantly less growth of the potentially infectious nasal flora overall and of S. aureus in particular was found in the group with the antibiotic packing. Conclusion Antibiotic-containing nasal packing effectively inhibits potentially infectious germs (including S. aureus) in the nasal flora and secondarily may diminish the incidence of postoperative infections.