Sinus Surgery Proves More Effective Than Antibiotics, Major Trial Finds

A major clinical trial has found that surgery to treat chronic sinus disease is more effective than antibiotics.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), or sinusitis, marked by symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, loss of smell, facial pain, fatigue, and worsening breathing difficulties, including asthma.

Although often resembling a severe cold, it can persist for months or even years.

The study, published in ‘The Lancet’, showed that surgery provided significant symptom relief. Six months after the procedure, 87 per cent of patients reported an improved quality of life.

By contrast, a three-month course of low-dose antibiotics offered little benefit, with no notable difference between patients receiving antibiotics and those given a placebo.

Lead researcher Professor Carl Philpott, from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School, stated, “What we found is that surgery was effective at reducing symptoms six months on, while taking the course of antibiotics seemed to make little difference. Until now, there was no evidence in the form of a trial that showed sinus surgery works better than medical treatment. This could be a real game-changer for sufferers worldwide.”

The randomised controlled trial involved more than 500 patients across the UK, with researchers from UCL also participating.

Patients were divided into groups receiving either sinus surgery, long-term antibiotics, or a placebo.

All participants continued with their usual treatment, which included nasal steroids and saline rinses, both known to ease the condition.

Researchers monitored patients after three and six months. They conducted nasal and sinus examinations, along with airflow tests and smell assessments. These helped evaluate improvement, quality of life, and potential side effects.

The trial confirmed that surgery was more effective than antibiotics.

Philpott further added, “We hope our findings will help reduce the length of time for patients to get treatment. Streamlining clinical pathways will help reduce unnecessary visits and consultations and save on healthcare resources.”

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