Effectiveness of Vidian Neurectomy in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of vidian neurectomy (VN) or posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) combined with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Data Sources: A systematic search of six databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) was conducted to identify relevant studies up to May 2024. Review Methods: The effects of combining VN or PNN with ESS were evaluated in comparison to ESS alone. Outcomes were assessed by evaluating changes in Lund-Kennedy score, patient-reported symptom scores (VAS), quality of life, as well as adverse effects and recurrence rate of CRSwNP. Results: A total of 6 studies, comprising 407 patients, were included in the analysis. The neurectomy group showed significant improvements in Lund-Kennedy score (SMD = 0.7276 [0.5695; 0.8857]), with statistically significant improvements maintained at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The treatment group maintained better improvements in sinusitis-related quality of life (SMD = 0.4540 [0.1784; 0.7297]) and VAS (SMD = 0.7096 [0.4356; 0.9837]) until 12 months postoperatively, but not at 24 months. Regarding adverse effects, additional neurectomy did not significantly induce epistaxis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.9806 [0.2348; 4.0960]) or dry eye (OR = 2.4194 [0.1114; 52.5255]) compared to the control group. On the other hand, there was no difference in the recurrence rate of CRSwNP between the 2 groups during the follow-up periods. Conclusion: Additional neurectomy shows better efficacy in improving endoscopic findings and symptoms in patients with CRSwNP and appears to be a safe and effective treatment.