Safety and efficacy of pediatric functional endoscopic sinus surgery for the treatment of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery for the treatment of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Patients and methodsThis study was of a retrospective observational clinical type and was carried in the tertiary referral center. A total of 90 patients with CRS refractory to medical treatment and operated with endoscopic sinus surgery were included in this study. Computed tomography scan of the nose and paranasal sinuses was done for all patients. Sinonasal outcome test-20 German adapted version was used for preoperative and postoperative symptoms evaluation.ResultsAmong these 90 children, there were 62 males and 28 females, with mean age of 12.5 (7–16) years. A total of 84 (93.3%) patients had CRS without nasal polyps, and CRS with nasal polyps was present in the remaining six (6.7%) patients. Nasal obstruction and purulent nasal discharge were the most reported symptoms. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 5 years, with a mean of 3.7 years. The overall success of the procedure was 68.8%. The most significant improvement was noticed by patients with nasal obstruction and purulent nasal discharge (90.3 and 88.8%). The least improvement occurred in patients with hyposmia (36.3%).ConclusionFunctional endoscopic sinus surgery is a safe and effective procedure in children. Proper preoperative selection of patients is mandatory. Limited surgical intervention is needed in children with control of the disease and preservation of the nasal mucosa. Second-look operation may be needed in some cases. Follow-up is essential for success of the procedure.