Pitfalls in Sinus Surgery: An Overview of Complications

Efficacy of perioperative lidocaine infusion on surgical field quality during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the efficacy of perioperative intravenous lidocaine versus placebo in improving the quality of surgical field during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL were thoroughly searched from inception until June 2023. The included RCTs were evaluated via RoB-2 tool. Our primary endpoint included intraoperative surgical field quality, and secondary endpoints involved operative duration, estimated blood loss, time for post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge, postoperative pain, mean difference in heart rate (HR), and mean difference in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Continuous data were pooled as mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) via RevMan software. Also, the certainty of evidence for each outcome were assessed according to the GRADE system.

RESULTS

Four RCTs with total of 267 patients were included. Regarding the intraoperative quality of surgical field, the results indicated a significant difference in favor of the lidocaine group compared to the placebo group (n = 3 RCTs, MD - 0.80, 95% CI [- 0.98, - 0.61], p < 0.001, moderate certainty of evidence). The trial sequential analysis showed there is a substantial and conclusive evidence. Regarding time for PACU discharge, there was a significant difference that favor lidocaine group (p < 0.05). On the contrary, there was no significant difference between lidocaine and placebo groups in terms of operative duration, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain, mean change in MAP and HR, (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our review revealed that lidocaine infusion, compared with a placebo, significantly improved the surgical field and shortened the time required for PACU discharge. However, lidocaine did not reduce surgery time, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain, MAP, or HR.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting poor operative visibility during FESS in Chinese adult patients with CRS

Objective

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a nomogram that is capable of predicting poor operative visibility during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Method

To identify potential risk factors, patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) between January 2019 and December 2022 were selected from our hospital's electronic medical record system. Data on general patient information, clinical manifestations, clotting-related test indices, Lund-Machay score of sinuses CT scanning, Lund-kennedy score of nasal endoscopies, anesthesia methods, intraoperative blood pressure and heart rate, and Boezaart bleeding score were collected. Minimum absolute convergence and selection operator (LASSO) regression, as well as multivariate logistic regression, were used to determine the risk factors. A nomogram was developed in order to predict poor operating visibility during FESS, and its performance was evaluated utilizing both the training and verification datasets via various measures including receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, area under the curve (AUC), Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.

Results

Of the 369 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 88 of them exhibited POV during FESS. By deploying LASSO and multivariate logistic regression analyses, six risk factors were identified and used to construct a nomogram for predicting POV during FESS. These factors include prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin activity (PTA), Lund-Mackay score (LMS), Lund-Kennedy score (LKS), anesthetic method, and intraoperative hypertension. The AUC of the training set was found to be 0.820 while that of the verification set was 0.852. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration curve analysis revealed good consistency between predicted and actual probabilities. Also, the decision curve demonstrated that the nomogram had a high degree of clinical usefulness and net benefit.

Conclusion

The constructed nomogram has a strong ability to predict the poor intraoperative field in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, which can help preoperative judgment of high-risk patients and provide evidence for perioperative management and preoperative plan formulation.

Tranexamic acid in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) approaches have revolutionized the management of sinonasal and intracranial pathology. Maintaining surgical hemostasis is essential as bleeding can obscure the visibility of the surgical field, thus increasing surgical duration, risk of complications, and procedural failure. Tranexamic acid (TXA) acts to reduce bleeding by inhibiting fibrin degradation. This review aims to assess whether TXA improves surgical field quality and reduces intraoperative blood loss compared with control.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception until September 1, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Data were pooled using a random-effect model, with continuous data presented as mean differences and dichotomous data presented as odds ratios.

RESULTS

Seventeen ESS randomized controlled trials (n = 1377) and one ESBS randomized controlled trial (n = 50) were reviewed. Significant improvement in surgical field quality was achieved with both systemic TXA (six studies, p < 0.00001) and topical TXA (six studies, p = 0.01) compared with the control. Systemic TXA (eight studies) and topical TXA (three studies) both achieved a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss compared with the control (p < 0.00001). There were significant differences in operative times (p < 0.001) but no significant difference in perioperative outcomes (p = 0.30).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrated that the administration of TXA in ESS can improve surgical field quality and reduce intraoperative blood loss. TXA use did not result in increased perioperative complications including thrombotic events.

Adverse Events Associated With Image-Guided Sinus Navigation in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A MAUDE Database Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The utilization of image-guided navigation during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has increased significantly since its introduction. However, the most common associated complications are still unknown. This study describes and analyzes adverse events related to image-guided ESS.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING

The Food and Drug Administration's 2018-2022 MAUDE database (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience).

METHODS

The MAUDE database was searched for all reports on adverse events involving sinus navigation systems used in ESS from 2018 to 2022. Reported events were reviewed and categorized.

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 1857 adverse events from 1565 reports, which were divided into device-related (n = 1834, 98.8%) and patient-related (n = 23, 1.2%) complications. The most common device-related complications were nonfunctionality of the system (n = 512, 27.9%), device imprecision (n = 427, 23.3%), and device sensing problems (n = 277, 15.1%). The most common patient-related complications were cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (n = 14, 60.9%), intracranial injury (n = 4, 17.4%), and bleeding/hemorrhage (n = 3, 13.1%). Imprecision was associated with increased risk of navigation abortion by the surgeon (odds ratio, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.38-1.65]; P < .001) and increased risk of CSF leak (odds ratio, 16.5 [95% CI, 3.66-74.0]; P < .001) as compared with other device-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The most commonly reported device- and patient-related adverse events associated with image-guided sinus navigation systems were device nonfunction, imprecision, device sensing difficulties, and CSF leak. When imprecise navigation occurred, there was an increased likelihood of CSF leak and navigation abortion by the surgeon. Health care providers should be mindful of these possible complications when electing to use image-guided sinus navigation during ESS.

Radiological anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst different populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst populations in different geographical regions.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Using PRISMA guidelines, SCOPUS and PUBMED databases were searched from inception until 1 March 2022. The regions and populations identified were from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia-New Zealand-Oceania, South America, North America and Africa. Random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic and Cochran's Q test.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base confirmed by computed tomography scan.

RESULTS

Fifty-six articles were included with a total of 11 805 persons. The most common anatomical variation of the ostiomeatal complex was pneumatization of the agger nasi (84.1%), olfactory fossa was Keros type 2 (53.8%) and ethmoids was asymmetry of the roof (42.8%). Sphenoethmoidal and suprabullar cells have a higher prevalence in North Americans (53.7%, 95% CI: 46.00-61.33) while asymmetry of ethmoid roof more common in Middle Easterns (85.5%, 95% CI: .00-100). Bent uncinate process has greater prevalence in Asians while supraorbital ethmoid cells and Keros type 3 more common in non-Asians. The overall studies have substantial heterogeneity and publication bias.

CONCLUSION

Certain anatomic variants are more common in a specific population. The 'approach of analysis' plays a role in the prevalence estimates and consensus should be made in future studies regarding the most appropriate 'approach of analysis' either by persons or by sides.

Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Variations in Sinonasal Anatomy

BACKGROUND

Complications during endoscopic sinus surgery often result from unfavorable anatomy. The prevalence rates of such anatomic findings vary tremendously in the literature, in part due to the small, homogenous populations previously studied.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the prevalence of sinonasal anatomic variants among ethnic groups and genders seen at an academic medical center.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of adult subjects who underwent CT imaging of the sinuses from January 2019 to November 2020 at a tertiary academic setting. CT scans were analyzed systematically by 3 trained study personnel for the presence of critical sinus anatomic variants that endoscopic sinus surgeons typically evaluate for preoperatively. Chi-squared tests and analyses of variance were conducted to detect differences in the prevalence of structural findings between genders and races/ethnicities.

RESULTS

A total of 489 subjects (57% female) were included: 44 Asian, 14 Black/African American, 101 Hispanic/Latino, 203 White, 127 Other. The prevalence of the following anatomical variants differed by race/ethnicity: Haller cells, Type 3 optic nerve, Onodi cells, maxillary septations, sphenoid lateral recess, anterior clinoid process pneumatization, and carotid artery dehiscence. Asian subjects had higher rates of Haller cells (48% vs 16%, P < .001) and Type 3 optic nerve (18% vs 4%, P = .022) compared to Hispanic subjects, as well as a higher prevalence of Onodi cells (39% vs 17%, P = .003) compared to White subjects. Males had a higher prevalence of mesenteric anterior ethmoid arteries (62% vs 45%, P < .001) and dehiscent carotid arteries (30% vs 21%, P = .024).

CONCLUSION

Certain sinonasal anatomic variants, which have direct implications for complications during endoscopic sinus surgery, were found to be significantly more prevalent in some demographic groups. Surgeons should be aware of these differences in their review of preoperative imaging for safe surgical planning.

[Retrobulbar hematoma in endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy]

Recently, an increase in the number of operations on the lacrimal ducts performed by otorhinolaryngologists has been noted throughout the world. During these operations, intra- and postoperative complications may develop, which require the intervention of an ophthalmologist. A rare complication of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is the development of retrobulbar hemorrhage. This article presents a clinical case of the development of retrobulbar hemorrhage in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. The patient with dacryocystitis underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Preoperative computed tomography revealed a lack of bone tissue in the lacrimal sac fossa. Severe bleeding was noted during the operation. Against the background of tamponade of the formed anastomosis, a growing exophthalmos, conjunctival chemosis, subconjunctival hemorrhage were noted. After removing the tampon, a positive trend was noted. Dexamethasone solution was intraoperatively intravenously administered, in the postoperative period - methylprednisolone solution. According to computed tomography data, exophthalmos persisted on the first day after the operation, hematoma was localized. Visual functions are unchanged. Six months after the operation, the patient had no complaints. According to the computed tomography data, a functioning dacryorhinostomy anastomosis was determined. Often, an interdisciplinary approach to such complications is required, since it can provide full orbital decompression, as well as adequate postoperative management of the patient, which contributes to the most complete ophthalmic rehabilitation. The interaction of otorhinolaryngologists and ophthalmologists in such cases is an indispensable condition for the safety of the operation.

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: rhinosinusitis 2021

I.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BACKGROUND: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR-RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR-RS-2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence-based findings of the document.

METHODS

ICAR-RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence-based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary.

RESULTS

ICAR-RS-2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence-based management algorithm is provided.

CONCLUSION

This ICAR-RS-2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS.

Operative and postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery

PURPOSE

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is increasingly common in the elderly population (≥ 65 years old). Compared to their younger counterparts, differences exist in the etiology of CRS and outcomes of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) for elderly patients. The aim of this study is to determine if differences in surgical outcomes are present between these two patient populations to facilitate patient pre-operative counseling by their healthcare providers.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review conducted at a single tertiary care center for patients undergoing ESS between June 2014 and June 2019. Patients were classified into two cohorts (adult and elderly) based on age (< 65 and ≥ 65 years old). Demographics, surgical, and postoperative variables were extracted from our institution's electronic medical records. ANOVA and t-test analysis were performed to determine the presence of significant differences between the two cohorts. SNOT-22 scores were used to determine QOL improvements.

RESULTS

Compared to the adult cohort, elderly patients had significant QOL improvement after surgical treatment (p = 0.001), but had a similar successful response to treatment (p = 0.74). Elderly patients had no difference in the incidence of operative/perioperative complications (p = 0.89) or intraoperative or postoperative bleeding (p = 0.301, p = 0.62), but had an increased incidence of postoperative infection (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

ESS remains an effective treatment modality for the management of CRS, and a safe practice for elderly patients despite the increase in complexity of their medical comorbidities and polypharmacy. QOL improvements are significant, though patient counseling should take into account that improvements may not be as pronounced as in younger patients.

Endoscopic Management of Maxillary Sinus Diseases of Dentoalveolar Origin

Endoscopic surgery on the maxillary sinus has experienced significant advances in technique and approaches since the maxillary antrostomy was introduced in the 1980s. Disease processes that previously required open surgical approaches to the maxillary sinus can now be treated endoscopically while preserving form and function of the sinus and without injuring the maxillary sinus mucosa or disrupting normal mucociliary clearance. Understanding the techniques described in this article will allow surgeons to appropriately plan treatment strategies for patients with a variety of maxillary sinus diseases from dentoalveolar origin.

Trans-implant treatment of chronic recurrent maxillary sinusitis via dynamic implants with an internal port: Experience with 31 cases

This study was performed to test a protocol for trans-implant treatment of chronic recurrent maxillary sinusitis (CRS), via implants with an internal removable sealing screw. The appropriate indications for treatment, optimal number of treatment sessions, and general schedule of treatment and follow-up were assessed. This was a retrospective study of 31 patients with CRS who were managed with trans-implant lavage. Of these patients, 28 (referred for a sinus elevation procedure) underwent a simultaneous implantation procedure and treatment of the sinusitis. Three patients received treatment for sinusitis via an already existing implant. The suggested sinusitis treatment protocol includes the drainage of pus through the punctured sinus floor and three sessions of antral irrigation/lavage, four cone beam computed tomography scans, and four transnasal endoscopic observations. The suggested combined protocol includes the simultaneous evaluation of the implant status and the sinusitis treatment results on days 30 and 60 after surgery. Of the 31 patients, 28 (90%) had complete relief of most of their symptoms (nasal obstruction/discharge, anosmia/hyposmia) up to day 30 postoperative. Follow-up nasal endoscopy demonstrated no evidence of active sinus disease. Twenty-seven implants were well-osseointegrated and were still in use for prosthetic purposes. In one case, the implantation failed because of poor bone quality. For the remaining 30 cases, both clinical and radiological results showed stability of the implants and no CRS recurrence during the whole follow-up period. The dental implant with an internal central port and an integral sealing screw may be used for drainage, irrigation, observation, and further treatment of the maxillary sinus in cases of CRS.

Audit of Complications in an Otolaryngology Led Skull-Base Surgical Practice

Objective  This study was aimed to classify and study complications of surgery of the cranial base, primarily from an otorhinolaryngology perspective. Design  This study was designed with consecutive cohort of skull base surgical cases. Setting  Tertiary referral academic center. Participants  Patients having skull-base surgery at a otorhinolaryngology based skull-base unit, from 2002 to 2015. Main Outcome Measures  Enumeration of complications is the main outcome of this study. Surgical procedures, categorized for complexity as per a unified system, are applicable to endoscopic and open procedures. Complications were categorized as per the British Association of Otolaryngologists coding of surgical complications. Complication classified as major if life-threatening, causing permanent disability, or compromising the result of surgery. Results  A total of 342 patients ( n  = 342) were operated; 13 patients' records were excluded due to < 6 months posttreatment follow-up. The study group constituted 204 anterior skull-base (endoscopic, 120; open/external, 84) and 125 lateral skull-base procedures. Complication rates noted to increase in both groups with increasing complexity of surgical intervention. Anterior skull-base surgery (total complications, 11%; major, 3%; death, 0.5%) noted to have significantly less surgical complications than lateral skull-base surgery (total complications, 33%; major, 15%; death, 1.6%; p  < 0.001). Among the anterior procedures no significant difference noted among endoscopic and external approaches when compared across similar surgical complexity. Conclusion  Despite improvement in surgical and perioperative care, the overall major complication rate in a contemporary otolaryngology led, primarily extradural, skull-base practice is noted at 8%. Perioperative mortality, though rare, was encountered in 1%. A standard method for categorization of surgical complexity and the grade of complications as reported here is recommended.

Endoscopic Resection of Clival Malignancies

Surgical management of clival lesions presents numerous therapeutic challenges because of the close proximity of surrounding critical structures. With a detailed understanding of the endoscopic endonasal approach and relevant considerations, appropriate lesions can be removed in a safe and minimally invasive manner. Use of this technique as a primary approach represents the standard of care for many lesions at leading skull base centers, although adjunct techniques may be necessary in extensive lesions and those with significant lateral extension.

Surgical therapy vs continued medical therapy for medically refractory chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The currently accepted treatment paradigm of treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) first with appropriate medical therapy (AMT) and then with surgery if patients are refractory to AMT, has been criticized for lack of evidence. The objective of this study was to reassess the literature and establish the highest level of evidence possible regarding further management of CRS patients refractory to AMT.

METHODS

This study was a systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis (MA). Adult CRS patients who received AMT and then underwent either medical or surgical therapy in moderate to high level prospective studies were included. Outcomes assessed were disease-specific quality of life (QOL), nasal endoscopy, health-state utility, missed work days, change in cardinal symptoms of CRS, economic impact, and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 970 manuscripts were identified; 6 studies were ultimately included in the SR with 5 included in the MA. Compared to continued medical therapy, endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) significantly improved patient-based QOL scores (p < 0.00001) and nasal endoscopy scores (p < 0.00001). Difference in missed work days depended heavily on patient choice of intervention. Unpooled analysis showed improvements in olfaction, health utility scores, and cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

On meta-analysis, for CRS patients refractory to AMT, ESS significantly improves objective endoscopic scoring outcomes vs continued medical therapy alone. In patients with refractory CRS who have significant reductions in baseline QOL, ESS results in significant improvements. Continued medical therapy appears to maintain outcomes in patients with less severe baseline QOL. Unpooled analysis demonstrates improvement in health utility, olfaction, and cost-effectiveness following ESS compared to continued medical therapy alone, in medically refractory CRS.

Preventing and Managing Complications in Frontal Sinus Surgery

This review covers potential complications of frontal sinus surgical management and strategies for prevention of these complications. Accordingly, recent advances in frontal sinus surgical techniques are described, and the management of complications stemming both from these and traditional techniques are detailed.

Anatomic Considerations in Frontal Sinus Surgery

Comprehension of the complex anatomic variants comprising the frontal sinus outflow tract is essential for successful surgical intervention. Deviation from sound technique increases the potential for a variety of deleterious sequelae, including recurrent disease as well as catastrophic intracranial and orbital injury. Furthermore, incomplete removal of elements occluding the frontal recess can result in severe stenosis that can increase the difficulty of further interventions. This review covers anatomic considerations that should be kept in mind when performing frontal sinus surgery.