Sinus penetration of saline solution irrigation and atomizer in a cadaveric polyp and allergic fungal sinusitis model.

Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a stubborn disease requiring surgical and medical management. Delivery of topical medication is paramount in these patients, but the most difficult to accomplish. We investigated heavy irrigation (nasal douche) and atomized medication delivery potential in a cadaveric sinus model of polypoid AFS disease. Three disease models were created: a control that involved unoperated sinuses and no simulated disease; an unoperated AFS with type II polyposis mode; and an operated model with recurrent allergic fungal sinusitis with type II polyposis. The maxillary sinus showed the best irrigation and overall the heavy irrigator was more efficient than the atomizer.