Using oral antibiotics after pituitary surgery to improve nasal outcomes

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study Evaluating the Impact of Prophylactic Oral Antibiotics on Sinonasal Outcomes Following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Lesions

Phase 4 Interventional St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix · NCT03014687

This study is testing if taking oral antibiotics after pituitary surgery can help improve healing in the nose and reduce sinus problems for patients.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment116 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 84 Years
SexAll
SponsorSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix Academic / other
Locations1 site (Phoenix, Arizona)
Trial IDNCT03014687 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether administering oral antibiotics after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas can enhance sinonasal healing, reduce the incidence of postoperative sinusitis, and improve nasal symptoms. The research involves a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of oral antibiotics (cefdinir or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) against a placebo. The study aims to address the gap in knowledge regarding the efficacy of postoperative antibiotics in this specific surgical context, as previous studies in related fields have shown mixed results. Participants will be monitored for sinonasal function and quality of life using validated scales.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 85 undergoing endoscopic surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas, acromegaly, or prolactinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of chronic sinusitis, active sinusitis, or those who have had previous sinus surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved postoperative recovery and quality of life for patients undergoing pituitary surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in related fields, such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery, have not supported the use of oral antibiotics for improving outcomes, indicating this study's approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patient undergoing endoscopic surgery for resection of pituitary tumors for nonfunctioning adenoma, acromegaly, or prolactinoma
* Adults \>18 and \<85 years of age
* English speaking and able to understand the ASK Nasal-12 and SNOT-22 scales
* Free of any physical, mental, or medical condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, makes study participation inadvisable

Exclusion Criteria:

* Anaphylaxis/intolerance to the study drugs
* Cirrhosis, hepatitis
* Any solid organ transplant or bone marrow transplant. And any patient felt to be immunocompromised by the investigators
* Renal failure on dialysis
* Any subject who is unwilling or unable to sign informed consent for the study
* Pregnancy
* Incarcerated patients
* Cushing's disease
* Rathke's Cleft cyst or pituitary cyst
* History of chronic sinusitis
* Anticipated use of nasal splints
* Anticipated use of nasal septal flap
* Active sinusitis
* Nasal polyps
* Previous sinus surgery
* Concurrent antibiotics for another indication (i.e., urinary tract infection)
* Immunodeficiency

Where this trial is running

Phoenix, Arizona

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AntibioticsPituitary Adenomatranssphenoidal surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.