Effectiveness of minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery in alleviating the symptom complex in chronic rhino-sinusitis

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Early surgical intervention has been found to be better in terms of patient satisfaction compared even with the medical management. The objective of the study was to study effectiveness of minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery in alleviating the symptom complex in chronic rhino-sinusitis.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Retrospective review of the chronic rhino-sinusitis data of 164 patients done, who undergone functional endoscopic sinus surgery with or without septoplasty between 2005 and 2013. Any recurrence of symptoms and radiological evidence recorded in the patient notes. The number of patients who undergone revision surgery also recorded. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The recurrence rate of symptoms and sinus disease was 20% (33 patients). There was no relation between the severity of the symptoms and the amount of disease seen in the CT scans. The two patients, who had purulent sinusitis, WERE completely relieved of their headaches and resumed their routine work soon after the operation. About 90% patients improved regarding nasal obstruction, 75% patients improved of nasal discharge, 60% patients showed improvement for sneezing. There were adhesions in about 6% patients and polyps recurred in 30% of patients. The recurrence of symptoms improved with medication in majority of patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The meticulously performed functional endoscopic surgery effectively improved symptom complex. If properly performed it is effective in alleviating all the symptoms and decrease recurrence rate and complications can be kept at negligible levels. Hence it offers a clear advantage in reducing complications and recurrence rates in sinus disease. </p>