Drug-Eluting Bioabsorbable Stents in Rhinology: A Decadal Meta-Analysis

Abstract Steroid-eluting nasal implants and stents are designed to maintain sinus patency after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) while delivering corticosteroids locally to reduce inflammation and polyp recurrence. This meta-analysis integrates in vitro data, observational studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing absorbable, steroid-eluting devices in sinonasal surgery. Safety, efficacy, and the outcomes reported by patients were the primary factors examined. All relevant literature was included thanks to a PRISMA-guided approach. A steroid-eluting device reduces the need for revision surgery and the recurrence of polyps in some patients while consistently improving early postoperative outcomes, including pain, mucosal edema, and synechiae formation. Real-world data indicates that fewer people are using healthcare services. Comparing studies is challenging due to the variety of devices and endpoints. Steroid-eluting implants can help control inflammation and, in certain cases, greatly speed up recovery after ESS. More multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up are necessary to improve their clinical application.