Prophylactic Oral Antibiotics on Sinonasal Outcomes Following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Lesions

DRUG

Placebo

PO BID placebo for 7 days. Postoperative days 1 through 7: patients will administer saline spray (e.g., Ocean nasal spray) to both nostrils four times daily. Postoperative days 8 through 30: patients will begin twice daily sinus irrigation rinse (e.g., Neti-pot) until day 30. After day 30, patients will perform sinus irrigation as needed. If a patient is unable to tolerate nasal rinses, saline spray can be used as an alternative.

DRUG

Oral Antibiotics cefdinir or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

Oral antibiotics (cefdinir \[Omnicef®\] 300 mg PO BID or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole \[Bactrim DS™\] PO BID for cephalosporin intolerant patients) for 7 days.Postoperative days 1 through 7: patients will administer saline spray (e.g., Ocean nasal spray) to both nostrils four times daily. Postoperative days 8 through 30: patients will begin twice daily sinus irrigation rinse (e.g., Neti-pot) until day 30. After day 30, patients will perform sinus irrigation as needed. If a patient is unable to tolerate nasal rinses, saline spray can be used as an alternative.

Change in quality of life from baseline - Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory 12 (ASK Nasal-12)

Time frame: 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks post-surgery

Completed by subject in clinic or by phone interview. Assesses urge to blow nose; post-nasal discharge; thick nasal discharge; headaches; nose makes whistling sound; nasal crusting; trouble breathing through nose during day; trouble breathing through nose during night; not breathing equally in both nostrils; sense of smell; sense of taste; and, overall functioning of nose.Rating choices include no problem 0; very minor problem 1; minor problem 2; moderate problem 3; moderately severe problem 4; and, severe problem 5. Subject also selects the 5 symptoms/items listed that impact life the most.

Change in quality of life from baseline - Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22)

Time frame: 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks post-surgery

Completed by subject in clinic or by phone interview. Assesses need to blow nose; nasal blockage; sneezing; runny nose; cough; post-nasal discharge; thick nasal discharge; ear fullness; dizziness; ear pain; facial pain/pressure; decreased sense of smell/taste; difficulty falling asleep; waking up at night; lack of a good night's sleep; wake up tired; fatigue; reduced productivity; reduced concentration; frustrated/restless/irritable; sad; and, embarrassed. Rating choices include no problem 0; very mild problem 1; mild or slight problem 2; moderate problem 3; severe problem 4; problem as bad as it can be 5. Subject also selects the 5 symptoms/items listed that impact life the most.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.