Effectiveness of keigairengyoto in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery

Aim: This study sought to investigate the efficacy of keigairengyoto (KRT, TJ-50), a Japanese traditional medicine, in the regulation of bacterial infections and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods: Patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were randomized into two groups: one receiving low-dose macrolide (n = 13) and the other concurrent KRT (n = 9) for 12 weeks. They were evaluated by Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), an olfactory survey based on a visual analog scale and bacteria survey. The type of bacteria and number of colony-forming units were examined 12 weeks after the ESS. Results: Both groups showed improvement in the total SNOT-22 score and olfactory survey. The increase in the number of bacteria was clearly suppressed in the KRT group as compared with the non-KRT group. Conclusion: KRT appears to be a promising agent for the regulation of bacterial growth during postoperative treatment for chronic sinusitis.