Endonasal sinus surgery: extended versus limited approach.

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to investigate whether two different surgical approaches in endonasal sinus surgery lead to different postoperative results in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis were operated on with either a limited approach or an extended approach. They were examined preoperatively and reassessed during 3 months, 6 months, and long-term follow-up visits that included endoscopy, saccharin transport time, and the assessment of symptoms.

RESULTS

The concept of this study was prospective, randomized, and multicenter (Mainz, Germany, and Moscow, Russia). The results of the two different surgical approaches were compared with each other.

CONCLUSION

Surgical results and symptomatology were similar in both groups of patients, suggesting that a conservative approach may be sufficient in most patients.