Current Indications for Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Abstract

Objective To describe current indications, sinonasal pathologies, and outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESS) in children. Methods Retrospective chart review of children that underwent ESS at a children's tertiary care facility from July 2004 to June 2007 was performed. Demographic data, clinical profiles, surgical procedures including revisions, and complications were analyzed. Results 117 ESS were performed on 88 children (mean age 9.6 years) and 4 adults; 64 were male. The most common indications for ESS in descending order were: chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS) (n=29), subperiosteal periorbital abscess (n= 20), sinonasal neoplasm (n= 11), intracranial complication from acute sinusitis (n=8), CRS with cystic fibrosis (n=8), complicated acute sinusitis (n=6), allergic fungal sinusitis (n=5), antrochonal polyps (n=2), invasive fungal sinusitis (n=1), and other pathologies (n=2). 21 children underwent an average of 2.2 sinus procedures. Majority of revisions were on patients with tumors (46%), allergic fungal sinusitis (40%), intracranial complication from acute sinusitis (38%), complicated acute sinusitis (33%), subperiosteal periorbital abscess (15%), CRS with cystic fibrosis (13%), and CRS (10%). Two children had excessive bleeding requiring another anesthetic to complete the procedure; 1 patient had airway obstruction from a tracheal blood clot requiring bronchoscopy. Conclusions More than 2/3rds of patients had ESS for indications other than uncomplicated CRS. Approximately 1/4 required revision surgeries reflecting the complexity of sinonasal pathologies seen in children compared with adults. Otolaryngologists performing pediatric ESS must not only be skilled in sound surgical technique, but must have appropriate interdisciplinary professional support to address the associated clinical problems seen in children.