This is an interventional study that will examine the effect of prophylactic topical antibiotics on nasal packing colonization following endoscopic skull base surgery.
Following endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS), nasal packing is used to control bleeding and to support reconstruction but can be a source for possibly infectious colonization. Antibiotic use and selection in ESBS varies largely and topical antibiotics are not routinely employed despite favorable qualities (i.e. direct delivery of high antibiotic concentrations with low adverse systemic effects). The effect of prophylactic topical antibiotics on nasal packing colonization is currently understudied. A larger study is needed to test the validity of the conclusion. Employing a larger sample size undergoing ESBS (which does not directly act on the nasal cavity), the investigators hope to amend the lack of literature evaluating the effect of prophylactic topical antibiotics on nasal packing post-ESBS. THe investigators hope to contribute to the determination of an ideal antibiotic regimen following ESBS, which may be especially beneficial for immunocompromised patients or patients at risk of post-surgery infections such as meningitis. Furthermore, the effect of ESBS on the nasal flora is largely understudied, with limited literature only reporting on the nasal flora following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The investigators hope to also amend the lack of literature exploring the effects of ESBS on the nasal flora, especially long-term effects that may be examined in patients undergoing revision surgery.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
The first 30 patients will be assigned to the control group to collect data on common nasal packing colonization and appropriate antibiotic selection for the experimental group. The following 30 patients will be assigned to the experimental group. Immediately following surgery, the control group will receive nasal packing alone and the experimental group will receive nasal packing with antibiotic irrigation
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Can prophylactic topical antibiotics alter the colonization of nasal packing following endoscopic skull base surgery
The effect of prophylactic topical antibiotics on nasal packing colonization post-endoscopic skull base surgery will be measured using culture analysis. Colonization will be described as type(s) of bacteria.
Time frame: 1 year
Can prophylactic topical antibiotics alter the bacterial load of nasal packing following endoscopic skull base surgery
The effect of prophylactic topical antibiotics on the bacterial load of nasal packings post-endoscopic skull base surgery will be measured using culture analysis. Bacterial load will be measured in colony forming units (CFUs).
Time frame: 1 year
Which bacteria colonize nasal packing following endoscopic skull base surgery
The bacteria making up the colonization of nasal packing post-endoscopic skull base surgery will be identified using culture analysis.
Time frame: 1 year
Does endoscopic skull base surgery later the nasal flora
A secondary endpoint is to determine if ESBS alters the nasal flora. The change in nasal flora after endoscopic skull base surgery will be measured using culture analysis of pre- and post-surgery nasal swabs
Time frame: 1 year
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