sodium chloride irrigation solution

Saline irrigation is a therapeutic procedure involving the rinsing of body cavities, wounds, or surgical sites with a sterile solution of sodium chloride, typically at an isotonic concentration (0.9%). In rhinology, nasal saline irrigation (NSI) is a cornerstone of management for chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis, facilitating the mechanical clearance of mucus, crusts, and inflammatory mediators while enhancing mucociliary function. In surgical practice, intra-abdominal or intraperitoneal saline irrigation is used to debride the peritoneal cavity, reduce bacterial load, and remove blood clots or surgical debris, thereby potentially reducing postoperative infectious morbidity and adhesions. The solution is also widely used in dentistry for root canal disinfection, in orthopedics for joint lavage during arthroplasty, and in gastroenterology to assist in the clearance of biliary stones during endoscopic procedures. Due to its high safety profile and lack of systemic pharmacological activity, it frequently serves as a control arm in clinical trials evaluating medicated irrigation solutions.

Brand names

NeilMed Sinus RinseSalinex

Other names

saline irrigationnasal saline irrigationSNInormal saline irrigationisotonic saline irrigationsterile saline solutionperitoneal irrigationintraabdominal saline irrigation