Chitogel versus Hydrogel on wound healing and patient experience following endosopic sinus surgery

Chitogel is a postoperative hydrogel nasal dressing that can be applied to sinuses after endoscopic sinus surgery. The hydrogel is made by combining Chitosan, Dextran and Glycerol. Chitogel has been shown to be an effective haemostatic nasal packing following endoscopic sinus surgery which reduces adhesion formation and stenosis of sinus ostia. It has also been shown to promote healing up to even 12 months following surgery, as demonstrated by reduced oedema, granulation and pus formation when compared to no packing. The Chitogel is applied endonasally once, by the operating ear, nose and throat surgeon, at the end of surgery upon completion of the procedure. The gel comes in two components which are combined according to producer instruction manual. The gel is applied to the sinus cavity using a syringe and malleable cannula. 5-10mL will be applied, the same as the amount of Hydrogel (comparator) used. Endoscopic sinus surgery on average will take approximately 2 hours. Theatre staff will monitor that the application protocol is followed.