Complications of endoscopic sinus surgery in a residency training program.

Endoscopic sinus surgery has emerged in the last decade as the treatment of choice for chronic sinusitis. Reports of complications of the procedure from different centers vary depending on the technique used and the experience of the surgeon. Between August 1990 and August 1993, 337 patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery at West Virginia University. Most of the cases were performed by senior residents under faculty supervision. Minor complications were encountered in 15.1% of the cases and major complications in 1.5% of the patients. The most common major complication was cerebrospinal fluid leak. All patients with cerebrospinal fluid leaks were diagnosed and treated successfully at the time of surgery. Middle turbinate adhesions and orbital penetration were the most common minor complications. Routine partial middle turbinectomy did not decrease the adhesion rate. Endoscopic sinus surgery is a relatively safe procedure, even when performed by residents under adequate supervision.