Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The success of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) depends on the visual clarity of the surgical field, which is understudied. Controlled hypotension has many advantages for FESS including reduction in blood loss and improved quality of the surgical field. This study determined whether the use of β-blockers as a premedication could improve the operative field in FESS. Methods : Sixty patients aged from 18 to 50 years, undergoing septoplasty and FESS were included in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either metoprolol (100 mg, group 1) or a placebo (a vitamin tablet, group 2) 60 min before surgery. RESULTS: The average blood loss and surgery duration were not significantly higher in the placebo group. The surgical field was graded using the Fromme-Boezaart scale, and it was significantly clearer (p < 0.001) in metoprolol group. The mean arterial blood pressure was significantly lower in the metoprolol group after 30 min of induction until the end of surgery (p < 0.001). The heart rate was also significantly lower (p < 0.001) in those who received metoprolol from before induction of anesthesia up to the end of surgery. Conclusion : Metoprolol significantly improves visual clarity and hemodynamics during FESS. We would recommend the use of metoprolol in FESS and septoplasty.