An analysis of experience of using nasal catheters in acute bacterial rhinosinusitis

The number of cases of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) in our country tends to increase. According to clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, nasal catheter drainage is used to treat ABRS, but not all ENT-doctors use this method in daily practice. Many of them use it empirically and obtain good results. GOAL To study the experience of ENT-doctors using the YAMIK nasal catheter (NC) in their clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS To achieve the goal, a 16-question questionnaire was developed. Further, a survey of 30 ENT-doctors was conducted via e-mail. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The study showed a marked dispersion of data regarding the time of starting therapy, the number of necessary procedures, as well as the components of medication solutions administered to the paranasal sinuses. At the same time, the effectiveness of the method, in doctors' opinion, is very high (above 90%). The incorrect technique of NC application, absence of studies according to the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and constructive disadvantages of NC may be probable reasons for the method undervaluation. CONCLUSIONS The prescription of procedures with NC to patients with ABRS is empirical and is probably related to the absence of clear indications for such treatment, data on its duration, and associated therapy. Consequently, research following GCP principles is required to develop an algorithm for treating ABSR with an NC. The development of a new design for an NC that will allow each ENT-doctor to learn the method is also appropriate.