The use of sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose to prevent postoperative mastication pain from harvesting of temporalis fascia

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the anti-adhesive and anti-inflammatory effects of sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) in reducing postoperative pain after temporalis fascia harvest during tympanomastoid surgery.

Materials and methods: Between January and December 2009, 27 patients underwent tympanoplasty and open cavity mastoidectomy involving the harvesting of temporalis fasciae (more than 3×4cm). At the end of surgery, patients were injected with 1.5g HA-CMC or normal saline around the fascia harvest area. Beginning immediately postoperatively and for 2 months after surgery, patients scored their pain in the temporal area on a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results: There were no significant postoperative complications, such as bleeding or hematoma, in either control group. VAS scores of both groups decreased over time and were negligible after 2 months. VAS scores of the HA-CMC and control groups differed significantly (p<0.001 by repeated measures ANOVA for all VAS scores).

Conclusion: HA-CMC can decrease immediate postoperative pain arising from tissue adhesion and inflammation, thus reducing postoperative mastication pain.