Interventional procedure overview of corticosteroid-releasing bioabsorbable stent or spacer insertion during endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis

Outcome measures

The main outcomes included endoscopic evaluation scores (Lund-Kennedy and POSE), recurrent polyposis, adhesions or scarring, reintervention rate and disease-specific quality of life and symptom scores (SNOT-22). The main measures used are detailed in the following paragraphs.

The POSE score is based on 10 parameters (each 0 to 2 points: middle turbinate, middle meatus, maxillary sinus contents, ethmoid cavity; crusting, mucosal oedema, polypoid change, polyposis, and secretions, frontal recess/sinus, and sphenoid sinus) for a bilateral total possible score of 40, with higher scores indicating more severe disease.

The Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scoring system grades visual pathologic states within the nose and paranasal sinuses including polyps, discharge, oedema, scarring, and crusting. Scores range from 0 to 20, with higher scores indicating more severe disease.

The SNOT-22 scale determines disease-specific health status by evaluating the severity of distinct parameters specifically related to physical problems, functional limitations, and emotional consequences of rhinosinusitis. Scores for each parameter are rated from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. The total score ranges from 0 to 110.