Abstract
OBJECTIVES: RADA-16 is a self-assembling peptide matrix with the ability to form a hydrogel structure, showing promise for improved wound healing and hemostasis. Our objective was to understand the utility of RADA-16 on postoperative bleeding rates following inferior turbinate submucosal resection (ITR) surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Electronic health records of patients who underwent ITR surgery with a single surgeon from January 2020 to March 2024 were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine differences in postoperative epistaxis rates between RADA-16 and non-RADA-16 cohorts. Further analysis was performed to compare healthcare-associated costs. RESULTS: Our analysis included 985 patients who underwent ITR, of whom 571 received RADA-16 and 414 did not. Overall, 1.11% of patients experienced postoperative bleeding, 0.35% in the RADA-16 cohort and 2.17% in the non-RADA-16 cohort. Patients receiving RADA-16 had a significantly lower risk of postoperative hemorrhage (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.036-0.808, p = 0.026). Comparison of the two cohorts showed no significant difference in the prevalence of additional nasal surgery or bleeding disorders. The non-RADA-16 group was more likely to be on anticoagulation treatment (p < 0.001); however, no relationship between anticoagulant usage and bleeding episodes was observed. After cost-effectiveness analysis, we found the bleeding cost per patient was $379.74 for the RADA-16 group and $436.21 for the non-RADA-16 group (p = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: RADA-16 is believed to improve wound healing and hemostasis. In our study, we found that patients receiving RADA-16 are less likely to experience epistaxis following ITR surgery.