Efficacy of sinus drug-eluting stents for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a multidimensional study

Abstract Objective To compare the efficacy of intra-operative middle meatus drug-eluting stent implantation versus standalone functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis in subjective symptoms, mucosal morphology and inflammatory factors. Methods Sixty chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps patients (Changsha Central Hospital, January 2023 to June 2024) were assigned to two groups based on voluntary treatment preference: an experimental group with intra-operative stent implantation and a control group with standalone FESS. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22, Lund–Kennedy scores and nasal secretion Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were assessed pre-operatively, and 3 and 12 months post-operatively. Data were analysed by SPSS 27.0 ( p < 0.05 for significance). Results All indicators decreased post-operatively in both groups ( p < 0.05). MMP-9 reduction was similar at 3 months ( p > 0.05); at 12 months, the experimental group had greater MMP-9 reduction and more significant decreases in related symptom scores ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Intra-operative middle meatus drug-eluting stent implantation may provide additional benefits compared with standalone FESS in improving subjective symptoms, accelerating nasal mucosal repair and inhibiting inflammation within 12 months of follow up.