Desmopressin nasal spray reduces blood loss and improves the quality of the surgical field during functional endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Making a dry surgical field during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a challenge for anesthetists. This study was conducted to evaluate the pre-emptive hemostatic effects of a single dose of an intranasal spray of desmopressin (DDAVP) in sinus surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty consecutive patient's as first-time candidates for FESS due to chronic sinusitis were enrolled. They were randomly allocated to receive either a nasal spray of DDAVP 20 μg or sterile water before induction of anesthesia. Management of anesthesia was achieved with propofol and remifentanil infusions. Blood loss, quality of the surgical field, and surgeon's satisfaction were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Blood loss in the DDAVP group was 147 ± 43 mL and in the placebo group 212 ± 64 mL (mean ± SD, P < 0.01). The quality of the surgical field in the DDAVP group was better than the placebo group. (median score, 1 (1–2) vs. 2 (1–3), P = 0.017). Surgeons were more satisfied with the surgical field in the DDAVP group than in the control group (median score, 4 (2.8–5) vs. 3 (2-3), P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Premedication with nasal spray DDAVP 20 μg effectively reduces bleeding and improves the surgical field during FESS.