The intranasal ethmoidectomy: evolution and an assessment of the procedure

A short history of nasal polyposis

Nasal polyposis was initially considered a tumor, but came to be seen as a chronic inflammatory mucosal disease during the second half of the 20th century. Although pathogenesis remains unclear, this has not prevented progress in diagnosis and treatment, both surgical and medical, based on the hypotheses of chronic rhinosinusitis with type-2 inflammation and autoimmune inflammation maintained by the vestigial olfactory mucosa of the ethmoid.

Computed Tomography and Anatomical Findings Encountered During Revision Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Background and Objectives: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a well-established strategy for the treatment of rhinosinusitis. However, some patients do not respond to primary surgery and may require revision surgery. Anatomic alterations due to prior sinus surgery, scarring and adhesions as well as associated chronic mucosal inflammation can make revision procedures challenging. In order to shed more light on the difficulties faced by surgeons performing revision FESS, a study was performed to identify areas of recurrent disease on computed tomography in patients undergoing revision surgery, as well as to evaluate intraoperative findings during revision FESS.Materials and Method: A hospital-based, interventional, non-randomized study was undertaken in 40 patients who underwent revision FESS. Multiple clinical parameters were recorded including number and type of previous surgeries, latest CT scans of the nose and paranasal sinuses, as well as intraoperative findings.Results: Our findings demonstrated the diffuse nature of mucosal disease on CT in our patient population. Fibrosis and adhesion formation were the most common intraoperative findings on revision sinus surgery along with residual air cells, polypoid mucosal regrowth, and middle meatal antrostomy stenosis.Conclusion: A careful evaluation of the patient is needed while contemplating revision surgery. A recent high-resolution CT scan is of paramount importance. The most common areas of disease recurrence are the ostiomeatal complex and residual ethmoids, and these areas should be given careful attention.

Revision Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Objective and Subjective Surgical Outcomes

Background

The aim of this study was to report objective and subjective outcomes after revision sinus surgery (RESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in 125 patients requiring revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery after failing both maximum medical therapy and prior sinus surgery for CRS. Patients were seen and treated over a 3-year period (1999–2001) in a tertiary rhinology setting. Computed tomography (CT) scans were graded as per Lund-MacKay and patient symptom scores were recorded using the Sinonasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20) instrument. Individual rhinosinusitis symptoms were evaluated on a visual analog scale (0–10) before and after surgery. All patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Results

The mean number of prior sinus procedures was 1.9 ± 0.1 (range, 1–7) and the mean preoperative CT grade was 13.4 ± 0.7. Patients with asthma and polyposis had higher CT scores than those without these processes. Preoperative mean SNOT-20 and endoscopy scores were 30.7 ± 1.3 and 7.3 ± 0.4, respectively. At the 2-year follow-up, mean SNOT-20 and endoscopy scores improved to 7.7 ± 0.6 and 2.1 ± 0.4, respectively (p < 2.8 X 10-10). At 12-month follow-up, each individual symptom score decreased significantly. Overall, 10 patients failed RESS and required additional surgical intervention for an overall failure rate of 8.0%. All patients who failed RESS had nasal polyposis.

Conclusion

Revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery benefits patients that fail maximum medical therapy and prior sinus surgery for CRS by objective and subjective measures.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Symptomatic Relief: A Patient Perspective

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (F.E.S.S.) is an efficient, safe treatment of chronic sinus disease. A retrospective individual review of 81 patients (41 males, 40 females) all having undergone F.E.S.S. at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, reveals positive patient reactions. The senior author (N.H.) performed all surgery on an outpatient basis. Surgery has been classified by the Anand & Panje staging system. Each patient was sent a comprehensive questionnaire at least 6 months postoperatively. A critical assessment was completed of subjects ‘ preoperative and postoperative histories along with a patient survey of their personal perspectives on preoperative symptoms and postoperative symptomatic relief. This paper describes patient perspective outcomes of symptomatic relief in patients who underwent F.E.S.S. Ninety-four percent of the patients indicated overall improvement. Ninety-one % of the patients who responded were satisfied with results, and 86% of the patients stated they would undergo this procedure again if necessary.

Objective and Subjective Evaluation of Endoscopic Nasal Surgery Outcomes

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms include nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and facial pain associated with rhinosinusitis disability. When resistance to medical treatment is associated with endonasal anomalies, endoscopic nasal surgery (ENS) can be proposed. However, objective and subjective assessment criteria regarding the evaluation of ENS outcomes remain unclear. The aims of this study were to evaluate the correlation between the inflammation in the nasal mucosa, objective recordings of nasal airway resistance (NAR), subjective evaluation of symptom intensity, and the impact of ENS on patient-perceived rhinosinusitis disability.

Methods

Sixty-one consecutive patients (35 men and 26 women; mean age, 37.5 years) suffering from CRS were monitored at 4 months and 2 years after ENS. All middle turbinate mucosa were analyzed for the density of nonspecific inflammatory cells. All patients scored their own subjective rhinosinusitis symptoms and complaints of rhinosinusitis disability. An active anterior rhinomanometry was performed.

Results

A good correlation was observed between subjective and objective NAR (p < 0.001). We found a significant correlation between the density of inflammatory cells in the nasal mucosa, subjective nasal obstruction, and the rhinosinusitis disability score (p < 0.001). Recurrent CRS was seen only in subjects with moderate to severe inflammation of the middle turbinate mucosa sampled at the first surgical intervention. Subjective rhinosinusitis symptoms, objective NAR, and rhinosinusitis disability improved significantly after ENS.

Conclusion

The degree of inflammation seems to be a good prognostic indicator regarding CRS recurrence. Long-term outcome after ENS for CRS showed significant improvement in subjective rhinosinusitis-specific symptoms, objective NAR, and rhinosinusitis disability.

Office-based rhinologic surgery: A modern experience with operative techniques under local anesthetic

BACKGROUND

Office-based rhinologic procedures have become popularized in recent years with the advent of several minimally invasive techniques. There is a paucity of literature, however, that supports more robust in-clinic procedures, e.g., true endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). There is a high volume of this work being done at our center, and the objective of this article was to review the safety and tolerability of in-clinic surgeries.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted. All the adult patients who underwent in-clinic sinonasal procedures and surgery with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up were included. Information regarding intra- and postoperative complications and revision procedures were recorded. For the ESS procedures, the indication, sinuses operated on, and type of revision were also collected.

RESULTS

A total of 315 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 166 turbinoplasties, 118 ESS, 35 septoplasties, 34 rhinoplasties, and 4 septorhinoplasties performed. For the ESS procedures, 74 (62.7%) were bilateral, and experience was had operating in all paranasal sinuses. All ESS work involved opening diseased ostia and was more than just polypectomies. The mean follow-up for the ESS cases was 13.4 months (range, 12-65 months). Complication rates and tolerability measures were comparable with those of other reported in-office sinonasal procedures performed with the patient under local anesthetic.

CONCLUSION

Office-based rhinologic surgery was safe and well tolerated by the patients. The need for revision ESS in our series was low when considering the extent of surgery that was performed. An in-clinic procedure may avoid a general anesthetic in the operating room for appropriately selected patients.

Evolution in Visualization for Sinus and Skull Base Surgery: From Headlight to Endoscope

Rhinoscopy became a formal field of study in the mid-nineteenth century as improvements in nasal specula were made and the potent vasoconstrictive effects of cocaine on the intranasal tissues were discovered. Since then, a multitude of advances in visualization and illumination have been made. The advent of the Storz-Hopkins endoscope in the mid-twentieth century represents a culmination of efforts spanning nearly 2 centuries, and illumination has evolved concomitantly. The future of endoscopic sinus surgery may integrate developing technologies, such as 3-dimensional endoscopy, augmented reality navigation systems, and robotic endoscope holders.

Usefulness of three-dimensional computed tomographic anatomy in endoscopic frontal recess surgery

PURPOSE

The endoscopic bidimensional vision offered by the endoscope during endoscopic sinus surgery involves difficulty in visualizing surgical field depth which makes it difficult to learn this surgical technique and makes it necessary for the endoscopic surgeon to mentally create a three-dimensional (3D) picture of the paranasal sinuses anatomy. In particular, frontal recess surgery requires good knowledge of its anatomic position, also since it is necessary to use angled endoscopes, which distort the view, and angular instruments which are difficult to use. Purpose of this project is to offer to the endoscopic surgeon a detailed 3D model of the nose and paranasal sinuses with particular attention to the frontal recess.

METHODS

A 3D reconstruction of the frontal recess and its related structures, starting from computer tomography scans of the human skull, was realized using a professional 3D graphics software.

RESULTS

A detailed reconstruction of the main structures which contribute to form the frontal recess was obtained. Particular attention was paid when reproducing the agger nasi cells, uncinate process, ethmoidal bulla, anterior ethmoidal cells, frontoethmoidal cells and their anatomic variants.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first experience reported in literature regarding this new technique of iconographic didactics applied to endoscopic sinus surgery. It represents a new frontier, which surpasses and integrates the previous didactic techniques to help the surgeon to mentally create a 3D image of the paranasal sinuses.

Epistaxis after partial middle turbinectomy: the role of sphenopalatine artery ligation

PURPOSE

Extensive nasal polyposis could involve the middle turbinate inducing the surgeon to partially remove it. We initiated this retrospective study to evaluate the effect of a partial middle turbinectomy (PMT) on postoperative epistaxis and if sphenopalatine artery ligation (SPAL) could reduce the risk of bleeding in patients without nasal packing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with extended bilateral nasal polyposis and submitted to primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with PMT on 40 sides were retrospectively selected. Postoperative bleeding and other complications were evaluated and compared with those of a control group of 27 patients who underwent FESS with middle turbinate preservation on 40 sides. The study group was furthermore divided into 2 groups according to the execution of SPAL. The incidence of postoperative bleeding of both groups and of the 2 parts of the study group was compared using the Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

A SPAL was necessary to stop intraoperative bleeding in 21 (52.5%) sides of the study group patients and in 7 (17.5%) of the control group patients. After surgery, epistaxis occurred in 8 cases (20%) in the PMT group (1 submitted to SPAL) and in 2 (5%) of the control group. The comparison with the Fisher exact test confirmed the major tendency of postoperative bleeding in the study group and in those not submitted to SPAL (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Partial middle turbinectomy causes a higher incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients who are not packed during the FESS operation. The execution of SPAL greatly reduces this risk.

The paranasal sinuses: the last frontier in craniofacial biology

This special issue of the Anatomical Record explores the presence and diversity of paranasal sinuses in distinct vertebrate groups. The following topics are addressed in particular: dinosaur physiology; development; physiology; adaptation; imaging; and primate systematics. A variety of approaches and techniques are used to examine and characterize the diversity of paranasal sinus pneumatization in a wide spectrum of vertebrates. These range from dissection to histology, from plain X-rays to computer tomography, from comparative anatomy to natural experimental settings, from mathematical computation to computer model simulation, and 2D to 3D reconstructions. The articles in this issue are a combination of literature review and new, hypothesis-driven anatomical research that highlights the complexities of paranasal sinus growth and development; ontogenetic and disease processes; physiology; paleontology; primate systematics; and human evolution. The issue incorporates a wide variety of vertebrates, encompassing a period of over 65 million years, in an effort to offer insight into the diversity of the paranasal sinus complexes through time and space, and thereby providing a greater understanding and appreciation of these special spaces within the cranium.

Endoscopic treatment of traumatic basal encephaloceles: a report of 8 cases

Object

Basal encephaloceles are rare entities that can present as congenital diseases; however, traumatic lesions due to head injuries or iatrogenic causes have been described in the literature. In this study the authors aimed to define placement techniques for free grafts in repairing traumatic basal encephaloceles and to describe the long-term effectiveness of endoscopic treatment.

Methods

Between September 1997 and December 2006, 8 patients with traumatic encephaloceles underwent endoscopic surgery. A free graft following an underlay (2 cribriform plate and 4 ethmoid fovea defects) or obliteration (2 sphenoid defects) procedure was used as the repair material.

Results

All traumatic basal encephaloceles with the associated skull base defects and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage were successfully treated via the endoscopic approach. There were no major complications or recurrence of meningitis or leakage of CSF encountered after an average follow-up of 77 months.

Conclusions

Long-term follow-up results demonstrated that endoscopic surgery was suitable for the treatment of traumatic basal encephaloceles. The underlay procedure is more appropriate than the overlay procedure in repairing large defects of the anterior skull base. Meticulous manipulations of the endoscope following precise autograft placement are mandatory for the successful repair of traumatic basal encephaloceles.

Tension Pneumocephalus after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Case Report of Repair and Management in Absence of Obvious Skull Base Defect

Tension pneumocephalus is a rare complication of functional endoscopic sinus surgery that may lead to rapid neurologic deterioration. Patients typically display symptoms within hours after the operation, and computed tomography reveals the presence of a skull base defect. We report a unique case of subacute tension pneumocephalus with no obvious skull base defect, which was associated with a pupil-involving third-nerve palsy. Wediscuss management of this complication and preventive measures for avoiding pneumocephalus after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Intracerebral hematoma after intranasal ethmoidectomy

Intracerebral hematoma after an intranasal ethmoidectomy has been rarely reported in the literature. This 56-year-old man presented with postoperative confusion. The cause is local injury.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: Diagnosis and Management

Advances in imaging and endoscopic techniques have improved the ability to diagnose, localize, and treat in a less morbid fashion CSF leaks of the anterior skull base. An appreciation for the mechanism of leak and of the relationship between CSF production and absorption must be kept in mind when individualizing a repair. Increased CSF pressure caused by overproduction or underabsorption may result in persistence of a leak despite one's best efforts. Numerous advances in dural replacement grafts and tissue sealants have improved the ability to achieve watertight closure of the cranial vault. Microvascular techniques have allowed larger defects previously not reconstructable to be handled with relative ease by trained personnel. With expanded reconstructive techniques, the ability to handle larger disease processes of the skull base continues to expand.

Powered instrumentation and tissue effects in the nose and paranasal sinuses

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The technologic cornerstones of endoscopic sinus surgery initially rested on the endoscope and CT scanning. In the mid-1990s, the advent of powered instrumentation, in particular the microdebrider, advanced the surgeon's ability to treat polypoid disease, sinus and nasal disease in a bleeding field, choanal atresia, antral choanal polyps, and inferior turbinate hypertrophy. This review evaluates both positive and negative tissue effects secondary to powered instrumentation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent reports of deleterious outcomes with powered instrumentation require a reevaluation of the role of powered instrumentation and consideration of factors that lead to injury. The rapidity of injury makes the powered instrument especially dangerous in inexperienced hands. One third of participants in a recent survey were unaware that powered instruments could be involved in orbital injury and half were unaware that cranial injuries could be secondary to powered instrumentation.

SUMMARY

Microdebriders will continue to advance the field of endoscopic surgery, providing clearer operative fields and causing less tissue trauma in experienced hands. However, the severity of complications, including the potential for rapidly aspirating orbital and cerebral contents when laminae are violated, must be appreciated and respected.

Encephalocoele as a complication of intranasal surgery

Intranasal encephalocoele can be congenital or acquired as a consequence of injury to the floor of anterior cranial fossa disrupting dura resulting in herniation of brain tissue in the nasal cavity. Authors came across a case of encephalocoele as a complication of intranasal polypectoury. We are reporting this case due to its rareness.

Contemporary indications for external approaches to the paranasal sinuses

The term minimally invasive functional endoscopic sinus surgery is surely a misnomer. First, the surgery is not minimally invasive. Extensive surgery, even skull base tumor resection, can be accomplished through the approach. In fact, because of the improved visualization provided by the adaptation of the endoscope to this technique, it can be argued that the surgery is now more invasive than it has ever been historically. More correctly, the technique is "minimal incision" surgery, and this term more accurately reflects the philosophy. External incisions, however, can be cleverly minimized or cosmetically acceptable. Second, the term "functional" is relative. There is no doubt that the greatest advance that the endoscope has afforded is the ability to assess disease in the clinic or office with far more accuracy. Endoscopic assessment has added to the general appreciation of the physiologic function of the sinuses as part of the respiratory tract in general. Certain endoscopic procedures, however, are not entirely directed at improving the physiology of sinuses. The endoscopic Lothrop procedure, for example, does not have a sensible physiologic basis. It does maintain the frontal sinus as an aerated space: this preservation is often, but not always and automatically, an advantage. One of the key factors in successfully disseminating surgical technology is the ability to teach the technique to the physician in clinical practice. This process requires constant research and development in instrument technology and the constant sharing of information and technology at courses and meetings. The types of instruments used to conduct endoscopic surgery have advanced dramatically in the last 10 years. The advent and distribution of image guidance and microdebriders and drills is an important adjunct to endoscopic techniques. Perhaps more important is the refinement that has occurred in the development of angled instruments, micro-throughcutting forceps, and 45 degrees endoscopes that will allow advanced endoscopic technology to be disseminated throughout the otolaryngology community. Nevertheless, many of the external approaches use commonly available instrumentation that is available in every operating room in the United States. This availability is certainly an advantage under certain circumstances. The wastebasket of history sometimes contains procedures that can afford efficient and effective treatment. Ignoring the past will result in a need to rediscover it. A broad perspective and the ability to think creatively about clinical problems will probably result in the occasional need to employ the techniques described in this article.

Endoscopic repair of large skull base defects after powered sinus surgery

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the management of patients with large skull base defects (> 2 cm) and intracranial injury caused by powered endoscopic sinus surgery. Study design and setting All patients treated for postendoscopic sinus surgery skull base injury over a 4-year period were reviewed.

RESULTS

Three patients with skull base defects greater than 2 cm in size and associated intracranial injury from powered ESS were identified. All patients presented with active cerebrospinal fluid leaks. CT scans showed intracranial injury and pathology reports revealed brain tissue removal. Using image-guided endoscopic techniques, all defects were addressed with multilayer repair. Closure was achieved in all patients on the first attempt, with an average follow-up of 27 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of powered instrumentation along the skull base can be dangerous and can result in extensive skull base defects with associated loss of dura and gray matter. Large ethmoid roof defects and significant intracranial injury, however, are not absolute contraindications to endoscopic repair.

[Nasal polyposis: postoperative long term results (5 years) after endoscopic sinus surgery]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results after endoscopic sinus surgery in cases of nasal polyposis. We include 54 patients with diffuse nasal polyposis suffering from nasal obstruction. An endoscopic sinus surgery under general anesthesia with excision of the polyposis was performed. There were no complications. The patients were followed closely and treated with local and systemic steroids. After 5 years, the 75% of these patients were free of nasal symptoms and in the 67% the mucosa appeared normal. We also review the influence of some factors (ASA triad, anosmia, allergy...) in the recurrence of the disease.

Frontoethmoidectomy with Sewall-Boyden reconstruction: indications, technique, and philosophy

The Sewall-Boyden flap, as used to reconstruct a frontal recess after frontoethmoidectomy, is conceptually similar to the endoscopic Lothrop procedure for surgical access to the frontal sinus. The operative technique, indications, and philosophy are presented in this article.

Osteoplastic frontal sinus surgery with fat obliteration: technique and long-term results using magnetic resonance imaging in 82 operations

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the intraoperative and late complications of osteoplastic sinus surgery with fat obliteration with long-term magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up.

METHODS

The operative records of all patients who underwent osteoplastic frontal sinus surgery with fat obliteration between January 1, 1986 and December 31, 1997 were reviewed and the postoperative clinical course and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were analyzed if available. MRI analyses revealed that changes in the distribution of fatty and fibrous tissue, the development of necrosis or oil cysts, recurrences, inflammatory complications, and mucoceles were time-dependent occurrences.

RESULTS

Eighty-two operative records were evaluated and 59 patients were followed 1 to 12 years after surgery. Eighty-six MRI scans in 51 patients were available for analysis. The most frequent intraoperative complications were exposure of orbital fat (19.5%), unintentional fracture of the anterior wall (19.5%), incorrect placement of the anterior wall (17%), and dural injury (9.8%). Persistent changes of the frontal contour (embossment, depression) occurred in 10.2% and the esthetic result was unfavorable in 5.1% of the cases. Mucoceles could be detected in 5 of 51 cases (9.8%). The amount of adipose tissue detectable in the last scan was less than 20% in the majority of cases (53%), and more than 60% in only 18% of the cases. The amount of adipose tissue decreased significantly with time (the median half-life was 15.4 mo).

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoplastic frontal sinus surgery with fat obliteration is very useful and successful in patients in whom the frontal sinus is not accessible via an endonasal approach or the natural drainage cannot be reestablished. MRI is currently the most valuable diagnostic tool to evaluate the frontal sinus after obliteration with adipose tissue. The method has some limitations with regard to detection of small recurrent mucoceles and differentiating vital adipose tissue from fat necroses in the form of oil cysts. In these difficult cases, long-term MRI follow-up is necessary.

Intracranial mucocele as a complication of endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Endoscopic repair of an anterior cranial fossa cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula has gained widespread acceptance. We report a case of mucocele development at the site of an endoscopic CSF leak repair.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 46-year-old woman underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal obstructive symptoms. The surgery was complicated by an intraoperative CSF leak from the posterior cribriform plate/anterior sphenoid, which was repaired immediately using bone and mucosa grafts. Two years postoperatively, a 13-mm anterior cranial base mass was found incidentally. This mass increased to 20 mm over the next year.

INTERVENTION

The anterior cranial base mass was excised via a right frontal craniotomy and confirmed histologically to be a mucocele.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic repair of an anterior cranial base CSF fistula with mucosal grafts may lead to formation of a mucocele.

A systematic approach to the interpretation of computed tomography scans prior to endoscopic sinus surgery

Computed tomography (CT) provides an excellent map for the sinus surgeon as well as providing information about the extent of disease and the presence of bony destruction. Surgeons need to be aware of the anatomical configuration of the sinuses and the presence of any structural changes such as a dehiscent lamina papyracea, asymmetric skull base, low level of posterior skull base or an Onodi cell, which place the patient at increased risk. Described here is a six-step guide to help the sinus surgeon avoid missing any of the radiologically important features.

Encephalocoele as a complication of intranasal sinus surgery: optimal evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging

We report a case of post-operative frontal basal encephalocoele evaluated using a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence, fast inversion recovery for myelin suppression (FIRMS). FIRMS was developed to enhance the differentiation between grey and white matter. In this case, the sequence was beneficial in distinguishing the encephalocoele from adjacent nasal mucosa and secretions.

Nasal polyps in the olfactory cleft

OBJECTIVES

Nasal polyps frequently arise from the middle meatus in patients with nasal polyposis, but caution is required when polyps are seen protruding from the olfactory cleft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a method to achieve effective and safe access to the olfactory cleft, and to determine the actual incidence of polyps arising from the olfactory cleft in patients with nasal polyposis.

PATIENTS

Eighty-four patients with bilateral or unilateral nasal polyps (n = 143) ranging in age from 16 to 72 years underwent endoscopic sinus surgery in the period from January 1994 to December 1996.

METHODS

To observe and gain access to the olfactory cleft, septoplasty combined with endoscopic sinus surgery was needed in patients with nasal polyposis.

RESULTS

The endoscopy during the combined septoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery revealed that 36.4% (n = 52) of bilateral or unilateral nasal polyps (n = 143) arose from the olfactory cleft. Of 52 polyps of olfactory cleft origin, 45 (86.5%) arose from the superior turbinate and/or superior meatus, 32 (67.3%) from the medial side of the middle turbinate, 24 (46.2%) from the anterior face of the sphenoid sinus, and 17 (32.7%) from the mucosa of the nasal septum.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that for surgeries of nasal polyposis an approach to the olfactory cleft as well as to the middle meatus is required.

Efficacy of an aqueous and a powder formulation of nasal budesonide compared in patients with nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are commonly treated surgically. Intranasal administration of topical corticosteroids has gained increased acceptance as a treatment alternative. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of treatment of two formulations of budesonide with placebo on nasal polyps. At four Danish clinics 138 patients suffering from moderate or severe nasal polyps were randomized to a twice daily treatment with Rhinocort Aqua 128 micrograms, Rhinocort Turbuhaler 140 micrograms or placebo (Astra Draco, Sweden) for 6 weeks. Polyp size (primary efficacy variable), nasal symptoms, sense of smell, and patients' overall evaluation of treatment of efficacy were assessed by scores. Polyp size was reduced significantly in both budesonide treated groups compared with placebo, but there was no statistical difference between the two actively treated groups. Patients' nasal symptom scores was significantly more reduced in the Aqua compared to the Turbuhaler treated group, and both reduced symptom scores were significantly better compared to placebo. Sense of smell was significantly improved in the actively treated groups compared to placebo. The proportion of patients rating substantial or total control over symptoms after 6 weeks treatment was 60.9% and 48.2% in the Aqua and Turbuhaler-treated groups, respectively, which was significantly better compared with 29.8% in the placebo-treated group. Rhinocort Aqua and Rhinocort Turbuhaler were equally well tolerated.

Frontoethmoidectomy with Sewall-Boyden reconstruction: alive and well, a 25-year experience

Recent controversies in the rhinologic literature regarding surgical management of the frontal sinus center around relatively new techniques using endoscopic intranasal approaches. Few authors have addressed the concept of frontal "duct" reconstitution, relying instead upon variations of the stenting concept, which fail at least 30% of the time. Some oral presentations and discussions in the past have gone so far as to say that external frontoethmoidectomy is an antiquated operation with few indications. One reason for its recent disfavor concerns the reported high rate of postoperative naso-frontal drainage track stenosis leading to recurrent disease. The senior author has a 25-year experience with a frontal recess reconstruction technique known as the Sewall-Boyden flap. This technique, coupled with the frontoethmoidectomy approach, has been effective with a low failure rate in 41 cases. This article serves to remind sinus surgeons of a safe, effective technique for establishing a drainage track from the frontal sinus: external fronto-ethmoidectomy with Sewall-Boyden flap reconstruction.

100 years of frontal sinus surgery

The surgical treatment of chronic inflammatory frontal sinus disease over the past century has varied between intranasal and external procedures. There has been constant modification of these techniques; however, a single approach that will lead to relief of symptoms, eradication of disease with preservation of function, and a minimum of deformity has not yet been attained. The functional theory of sinus disease, the evolution of endoscopic techniques, and data provided by the computed tomography scan have renewed our interest in the anatomy of the lateral nasal wall and endonasal surgery. Extensive literature exists concerning the results of ethmoid, maxillary, and sphenoid endoscopic surgery. However, detailed information is not available on the treatment of inflammatory frontal sinusitis. The author presents the results of a retrospective analysis of a series of 101 patients with inflammatory frontal sinusitis who underwent endoscopic surgery that included the frontoethmoid complex. Results for improvement of symptoms as well as endoscopic findings are presented. Relief of symptoms was significant but did not correlate with postoperative endoscopic findings in patients with hyperplastic and polypoid sinusitis. Patients with anterior ethmoid cell encroachment on the frontal sinus outflow tract had a positive correlation between improvement of symptoms and postoperative endoscopic findings. Frontal recess stenosis was associated with a poor outcome. Anatomic obstruction of the frontonasal duct is most consistent with the functional theory of sinusitis.

Endonasal microendoscopic pansinusoperation in chronic sinusitis. II. Results and complications

PURPOSE

We evaluated the long-term results and complications of endonasal pansinusoperation in chronic polypoid sinusitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective study, 170 patients were followed-up for 20 months to 10 years after bilateral endonasal microendoscopic pansinus surgery or ethmoidectomy. The follow-up consisted of a standardized questionnaire and clinical examination with the flexible endoscope.

RESULTS

We found that 85.6% of the ethmoid cell systems, 69.4% of maxillary sinuses, and 37.5% of frontal sinuses could be visualized endoscopically. The ethmoid mucosa was normal in 56% and thickened in 19%. Recurrent polyps were found in 25%. The evaluation--as per the graduation of results defined by us as a combination of examination findings and subjective assessment of the operative result--resulted in an operative success of 92%. Two studies dealing with the frequency of complications showed injury to the dura in 2.3% to 2.55% and periorbital injury without permanent sequelae in 1.4% to 3.4%. Because of two cases of bleeding from the internal carotid artery, the problems of vascular complications in particular will be thoroughly discussed.

CONCLUSION

More than 90% of patients with chronic polypoid sinusitis gain long-term satisfying results after endonasal ethmoidectomy with microscope and endoscope. For minimizing the risk of injury of the optic nerve or the internal carotid artery preoperative, computed tomography is necessary. A special training program is recommended.

An analysis of sites of disease in revision endoscopic sinus surgery

Revision endoscopic sinus surgery is performed when symptoms associated with sinusitis persist after sinus surgery and despite continued medical therapy. The causes of treatment failure are varied and may include systemic, mucosal, and anatomic factors associated with persistent inflammatory disease. The purpose of this retrospective review was to define the sites of recurrent or persistent sinonasal disease in patients undergoing revision endoscopic sinus surgery. This data was based on our preoperative CT scan and nasal endoscopy, as well as intraoperative findings. This study includes an evaluation of the most recent sinus surgery in a group of 153 patients and 265 operated sides. The frequency and distribution of regional anatomic sites of disease is presented and discussed.

A long-term follow-up study of nasal polyp patients after simple polypectomies

A long-term follow-up study was performed on randomly selected patients after simple snare polypectomies. There were 243 patients, of whom 211 underwent endoscopic examination. There were 154 males and 57 females and median age was 57.7 years. Median period of follow-up was 8 years (range, 38-145 months). The median number of polypectomies was 1.6 (range, 1-15). Polyp eosinophilia was recorded in 97% of the cases. From life-table analysis the 5-year rate for two or less polypectomies was 80% (95% confidence intervals, 75-86%). Symptoms and findings were recorded at a median time of 56 months from the last polypectomy. At this time 70% of the patients denied blocked nose or excessive secretions. Seventeen per cent of the group claimed loss of sense of smell, while 28% stated that it was poor. At follow-up, large polyps were found in 3% of the patients, moderately sized ones in 30% and small in 42%. No polyps were visible in 25%. Patients with asthma (26%) had more polypectomies than those without (median, 2.4 versus 1.4). Patients with a history of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug intolerance (7%) had the highest number of polypectomies. Previous troublesome sinusitis and allergy seemed not to exert major influence on the number of polypectomies needed. In the primary care of nasal polyp patients, the majority only need minor or limited surgery or only medical treatment.

Endonasal endoscopic closure of cerebrospinal fluid fistulas at the anterior cranial base

This study reports our indications and limits for endonasal endoscopic closure of dural defects with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak at the anterior cranial base, and demonstrates our surgical technique. Fifty-three patients with CSF rhinorrhea were reassessed for the success rate of closure of the CSF leak. Surgery was successful in 98%, and 68% of fistulas were closed endoscopically. A free graft of autogenous mucoperiosteum of the inferior turbinate was the most frequently used tissue for defect closure. The endonasal endoscopic route proved relatively safe for the closure of dural tears, irrespective of the cause, up to about 10 x 10 mm. It is characterized by minimal morbidity because of the preservation of sinus ventilation and bony structures, supraorbital nerves, and olfactory fibers. Defects larger in size, predominantly of traumatic origin, were closed via the transfacial approach. The decision on the surgical approach was additionally based on the extent of the facial soft tissue injuries and the localization of the leak.

Mucociliary function in patients with nasal polyps

Patients with nasal polyposis complain of nasal blockage and rhinorrhoea, which may be due to impaired mucociliary clearance. The saccharine clearance time and ciliary beat frequency of samples of ciliated epithelium from patients with nasal polyps was measured. We also studied the effect of fluid from the oedematous stroma of nasal polyps and of histamine and prostaglandin (PG) D2, E2 and F2 alpha on the cilia from normal individuals. Polyp fluid was found to increase ciliary beat frequency. Histamine and PGD2 had no effect, but PGE2 and PGF2 alpha both increased ciliary beat frequency and so may cause the ciliostimulatory effect of polyp fluid. The saccharine clearance time was prolonged in three of nine patients, but ciliary beat frequency was only slightly reduced in one of these. Thus, where mucociliary clearance is reduced, it is likely to be due to abnormalities of mucus rather than impaired ciliary activity.

Effect of Partial Middle Turbinectomy on Nasal Airflow and Resistance

We report the first prospective study of the effect of partial middle turbinectomy on nasal airflow and resistance as measured objectively by active anterior rhinomanometry. Our study group consisted of 31 consecutive patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery with simultaneous partial middle turbinate resections. We found that all patients had significant improvement in nasal airflow ( p < 0.001) and significant decrease in nasal resistance ( p < 0.001). Thus we found no deleterious effect on nasal function. Additionally, we reviewed the literature on retrospective series in which patients had received partial middle turbinectomies and found no evidence that nasal function was impaired after surgery. We conclude that partial middle turbinectomy may be performed without adversely altering nasal function, as measured by active anterior rhinomanometry.