Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Zhu-yuan decoction(ZYD) in patients after functional endoscopic sinus surgery(FESS).METHODS: A total of 85 patients were randomized into two groups: 44 were treated with intranasal corticosteroids(INC), and 41 were given Chinese herbal medicine(CHM). Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS) who underwent FESS were prospectively enrolled in the study. Before surgery, they were evaluated by visual analog scale(VAS), nasal endoscopy, computed tomography(CT), and routine blood test. After surgery, they were randomized to take ZYD or INC for 12 weeks and revaluated by VAS; nasal endoscopy at 4, 8, and 12 weeks;and CT at 12 weeks after surgery.RESULTS: In the both groups, VAS and endoscopyscores decreased significantly at 4, 8, and 12 weeks,and CT scores after treatment declined at 12 weeks compared with baseline scores. No significant differences were observed with regard to postoperative VAS, endoscopy, or CT scores between groups.ZYD, combined with surgery, can reduce VAS, nasal endoscopy, and CT scores and has the same efficacy and safety profile as INC in post-FESS management.No fatalities or major adverse events occurred in either group.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that ZYD has similar effects and safety profiles in patients after FESS compared with INC.

Key words: Chinese herbal medicine, Adrenal cortex hormones, Chronic rhinosinusitis, Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, Zhu-yuan decoction