Accessing the Eustachian tube: Conventional nasal spray vs. exhalation delivery system and the impact of targeted endoscopic sinus surgery on topical distribution patterns

Abstract

BackgroundEustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) may occur distinct from, or in conjunction with, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS+ETD). Intranasal corticosteroid sprays are often prescribed for ETD, though ET distribution may be limited. To date, no anatomic studies compare nasopharynx (NP) distribution between conventional nasal sprays (NS) and exhalation delivery systems (EDS) after surgery. This study utilizes a cadaver model to examine topical NP delivery using EDS vs. NS before and after targeted endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).MethodsSixteen sinonasal cavities were administered fluorescein solution via NS and EDS before and after maxillary antrostomy and anterior ethmoidectomy, followed by nasal endoscopy of the NP and ET orifice. Seven blinded experts submitted staining ratings of endoscopy images on a 0‐3 point scale, with ratings averaged for analysis.ResultsInterrater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation 0.956). EDS was associated with significantly greater NP staining vs. NS in a pooled cohort of nonsurgical and ESS specimens (1.19±0.81 vs. 0.78±1.06, p = 0.043). Using a logistic regression model, EDS significantly outperformed NS in nonsurgical (OR 3.49, 95%CI: 1.21‐10.09, p = 0.021) and post‐ESS (OR 9.00, 95%CI: 1.95‐41.5, p = 0.005) specimens, with greatest relative staining observed for EDS after targeted ESS (OR 18.99, 95%CI: 3.44‐104.85, p = 0.001).ConclusionsEDS is more effective than NS in topical delivery to the NP and ET orifices in cadavers. Targeted ESS may facilitate greater NP penetration by EDS compared to NS, with possible synergism after ESS for augmented delivery. These findings suggest a role for EDS delivery methods for ETD management and in CRS+ETD patients undergoing sinus surgery.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved