Sinuplasty Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Platforms in Generating Post-Operative Instructions for Rhinologic Surgery

AbstractRecently, artificial intelligence (AI) platforms such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini have progressed at a rapid pace. To allow for optimal medical outcomes and patient safety, it is crucial that patients have clearly written post-operative instructions. Patients are increasingly turning to AI platforms for medical information. Our objective was to evaluate the ability of ChatGPT versus Gemini to develop accurate and understandable post-operative instructions for patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Postoperative instructions on ESS, balloon sinuplasty, Caldwell Luc surgery, and septoplasty were generated using ChatGPT and Gemini. Measures of readability were calculated. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool was utilized to determine Understandability and Actionability. ChatGPT and Gemini were capable of generating understandable post-operative instructions but were poor for actionability and readability. While AI has a promising ability to generate accessible medical information, patients should be aware of its drawbacks especially when seeking postoperative instructions.

Evaluation of balloon sinuplasty for the treatment of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis.

This year marks 10 years from the publication of the clinical consensus statement on pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Balloon sinuplasty did not meet criteria for consensus at that time because there was insufficient evidence on its efficacy and safety. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on balloon sinuplasty treatment for pediatric CRS. Balloon sinuplasty is not a cost-effective measure compared to adenoidectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). In the pediatric population, benefits include short operative time, reduced tissue manipulation, and potential for decreased antibiotic courses. Alternatively, balloon dilation has increased equipment costs and there is a lack of robust prospective data that fully elucidates balloon sinuplasty's role in the management of pediatric CRS. Pediatric otolaryngologists should continue to perform first-line adenoidectomy and consider ESS based on imaging and other validated clinical scoring systems. Balloon sinuplasty has not yet been proven as an effective treatment for pediatric CRS and further large-scale investigations are required to overcome its lack of cost-effectiveness.

Contemporary Trends in Frontal Sinus Balloon Sinuplasty: A Pilot Study

Introduction Balloon sinuplasty (BSP) is a common treatment modality used in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Although it has gained popularity, minimal self-reported data on its utilization and complications have been reported. The goal of this study was to describe current practices and complications experienced during frontal sinus BSP. Methods An anonymous 20-question online survey was distributed to members of the American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery from August 1, 2022, to August 30, 2022. The questions were listed as multiple choice or percentage sliding bars, and data were collected using a commercial online survey service site. Results were reported as frequencies, means, and percentages. Results Forty-two respondents participated in the survey, with the majority practicing in the following hospital settings: community (34, 80.95%), hybrid (5, 11.90%), and academic (3, 7.14%). The southeast had the largest proportion of respondents (13, 30.95%), versus the midwest (12, 28.57%), southwest (10, 23.81%), northeast (5, 11.90%), and northwest (2, 4.76%). On average, 50.52% of cases were performed in the hospital setting, 48.50% in-office, and 42.40% in surgery centers. Respondents who primarily used BSP, reported a yearly average of 35.72 cases, a median of 12 cases, and a range of 0-361 cases. Respondents who used BSP with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), reported a yearly average of 48.62 cases, a median of 31 cases, and a range of 0-189 cases. Nasal packing was utilized both intraoperatively (11.72%) and postoperatively (3.62%). Early complications included postoperative headaches (9.86%), acute bacterial sinusitis (ABRS) (3.52%), and tooth/facial numbness (0.86%). Reported long-term complications included postoperative synechiae (5.10%), orbital complications (0.14%), and skull base complications (0.10%). A previously unreported complication was identified through this study, accidental sphenopalatine fossa dilation. Conclusions This study contributes to the growing body of literature on frontal sinus BSP by characterizing utilization and complications from a large otolaryngologic academy.

Efficiency of Different Approaches in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT Objective: Current research compared traditional FESS, balloon sinuplasty, and powered instruments for CRS efficiency. Methods: A prospective comparison analysis of 150 CRS patients who received FESS. The surgical method divided the patients into three groups: Group A (conventional FESS, n = 50), Group B (balloon sinuplasty, n = 50), and Group C (powered instrumentation, n = 50). Primary outcome measures included symptom alleviation, measured preoperatively and six months postoperatively using the “22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22)”. Preoperative and six-month postoperative “Short Form 36 (SF-36)” Health Surveys assessed postoperative complications and the quality of life. Results: Balloon sinuplasty relieved symptoms better than FESS and powered instrumentation. Mean SNOT-22 scores reduced by 62.1% in the balloon sinuplasty group, much higher than the standard FESS and powered instrumentation groups (49.1% and 45.8%, respectively) (P < 0.001). Balloon sinuplasty had fewer postoperative problems than FESS and powered instrumentation, including bleeding, infection, and synechia. Conclusion: Balloon sinuplasty treats CRS better than FESS and powered instrumentation and has fewer postoperative sequelae. These data imply that balloon sinuplasty may be a preferred FESS surgical strategy for CRS, but patient-specific characteristics and disease severity must be considered. Current findings need to be confirmed by larger studies with longer follow-up periods to determine the best FESS surgical strategy for CRS.

Balloon Sinuplasty: Our Experience.

Chronic rhino sinusitis (CRS) is a common disease. Maxillary sinusitis not cured by the medicines was addressed by the open surgical procedure namely Caldwell Luc operation. Thereafter introduction of nasal endoscopes in 1970's led to the minimally invasive surgery FESS which preserved the physiology of the nose and sinuses. In the year 2002 balloon sinuplasty was introduced in the western world and subsequently in India. Due to various logistics it was not performed and reintroduced in the year 2015 in India. It can be termed as micro minimally invasive surgery wherein anatomy as well as physiology of the nose and sinuses were preserved in cases of medically non responsive mild to moderate sinusitis. 20 cases were selected for exclusive balloon sinuplasty of maxillary sinus. Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new procedure which can be termed as micro minimally invasive surgery addressing the CRS without the traditional forms for surgery like incision, cutting or microdebriding. The principle is causing microfractures by inflating the sinus opening and thus facilitating the drainage of the sinus contents. No immediate or late post operative complications were noted. Sinus patency 6months later was present in 90% of the cases. Balloon sinuplasty is an excellent procedure for medically nonresponsive CRS without polyposis. The success rate is spectacular matching the FESS with almost no immediate post operative and late complication. The recurrence rate of sinusitis is low. We conclude that balloon sinuplasty is a micro invasive procedure which saves operating time, time of hospital stay of the patient and delivers excellent result with almost no complications. We hope it could be incorporated as a routine surgery for mild to moderate sinusitis not responding to medicines.

The Value of Multiple Medication Trials Prior to Balloon Sinuplasty in the Management of Chronic Sinonasal Disease

Introduction In patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, conservative interventions with extended medical trials are often attempted prior to procedural treatment. Balloon sinuplasty (BSP) is an established procedure for symptomatic relief from chronic rhinosinusitis. However, data suggesting the suboptimal efficacy of prolonged medication management trials, prior to BSP, is lacking. Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prolonged medication management trials, prior to BSP, for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods A retrospective review was performed for all adults with chronic rhinosinusitis who received extended medical management prior to their BSP at two outpatient clinics, from November 1, 2013, to June 31, 2018. The patients' Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT) scores were compared between baseline, post-medication trials, and post-BSP. Results The SNOT scores of a total of 64 patients were collected. Overall, patients showed a significant worsening of symptoms during the medication management trials from baseline ( p = 0.002126) but significant improvement of symptoms after undergoing BSP ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion The patient symptom burden worsened and prolonged during medication management trials. The BSP procedure alone showed significant improvement in the quality of life for chronic rhinosinusitis patients, when considering their SNOT scores. The worsening of patients' symptoms during medication management may invalidate the necessity of prolonged medication management trials.

Balloon Sinuplasty and Stenting in the Management of Complex Frontal Sinus Outflow Tract Fractures.

Classical management of complex fractures involving the frontal sinus outflow tract (FSOT) favors obliteration or cranialization to avoid delayed complications. We aim to exhibit success with a novel application of balloon sinuplasty and frontal stenting in the management of complex injuries disrupting the FSOT, which might have otherwise required more invasive interventions. Retrospective review. Single institution, level 1 trauma center. Retrospective review of patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center with fractures involving the FSOT. Outcomes include patency of the FSOT on imaging and endoscopy, rate of complications, degree of residual tabular displacement, and need for revision surgery. Twenty-five patients met inclusion criteria, with complete FSOT obstruction seen in all cases on computed tomography. All patients underwent balloon sinuplasty with frontal sinus stenting; 48% underwent concurrent anterior table repair, and 36% open repair of nasoorbitoethmoidcomplexfractures. The mean follow-up length was 13.9 months, at which time 91.3% of patients demonstrated radiographic and endoscopic FSOT patency. No residual sinus opacification or pneumocephalus was observed. Balloon sinuplasty with frontal sinus stenting is a straightforward and minimally invasive technique that can create a safe sinus in complex fractures disrupting the FSOT while avoiding the need for more invasive procedures.

Frontal Sinus Balloon Sinuplasty-Patient Satisfaction and Factors Predicting Reoperation.

To explore predictive factors of postoperative outcome of frontal sinus balloon dilation. Retrospective questionnaire study. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland. We reviewed electronic records of all patients who underwent frontal sinus balloon dilatation (successful or attempted) in our clinic from 2008 to 2019. We documented patient characteristics, preoperative imaging results, intraoperative factors, possible complications, and reoperations. Those who underwent frontal sinus balloon sinuplasty were sent a questionnaire regarding their current symptoms and long-term satisfaction with surgery. In total, 258 operations (404 frontal sinuses) were reviewed, with a technical success rate of 93.6% (n = 378). The revision rate was 15.7% (n = 38). Previous sinonasal surgery predicted a higher revision rate (p = .004, odds ratio [OR] = 3.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-6.56). Patients with hybrid surgery had significantly fewer reoperations compared to the balloon only group (p = .002, OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.16-0.67). The response rate of the questionnaire was 64.5% (n = 156), of which 88.5% (n = 138) reported a long-term benefit from the balloon sinuplasty. Patient satisfaction was higher (p = .02, OR = 8.26, 95% CI 1.06-64.24) among patients using nasal corticosteroids. Technical success rate and patient satisfaction after frontal sinus balloon sinuplasty are high. Balloon sinuplasty seems insufficient in reoperations. A hybrid approach appears to result in fewer reoperations than a balloon only approach.

ATYPICAL VARIANT OF GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS WITH EOSINOPHILIA

ATYPICAL VARIANT OF GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS WITH EOSINOPHILIA

Photo Quiz: Orbital Apex Mass: First, Do No Harm.

A 69-year-old male with a history of polymyalgia rheumatica presented with 4 months of intermittent sharp left retro-orbital pain and worsening vision. Two weeks prior to symptom onset, he underwent an ozone sinus treatment which caused significant “burning” in the area, per the patient, at an outside facility. The patient then developed progressive headache followed by increasing vision changes, nausea, and vomiting. The patient was afebrile throughout. Over the next 4 months, treatments included a frontal balloon sinuplasty and multiple doses of intravenous (i.v.) corticosteroids. In the 4 to 6 weeks prior to transfer to our facility, based on symptoms and imaging findings, he was diagnosed with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, a rare, corticosteroid-responsive, idiopathic granulomatous inflammatory disorder of the cavernous sinus. He was continuously treated with corticosteroids at escalating doses, culminating in two admissions during which 1 g of i.v. methylprednisolone was given, followed by 60 mg of oral prednisone daily, to be tapered slowly. Immediately prior to transfer he again presented to his local emergency department due to worsening of his left eye swelling and now complete vision loss. He was given 1 g of i.v. methylprednisolone and transferred to our facility.

Sinus Surgery and Balloon Sinuplasty: What Do Patients Want to Know?

Limited knowledge exists regarding the information patients seek online about sinus procedures. The goals of our study were to identify the most searched online queries regarding functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and balloon sinuplasty and evaluate the sources to which patients are directed. Observational. Online Google Database. Google data were analyzed using the search engine optimization tool Ahrefs. People Also Ask (PAA) questions (extracted from Google searches) helped identify questions for analysis of search query volume. Search results were categorized into specific topics, and the source (eg, academic vs medical practice) of the information was identified. The JAMA benchmark criteria were used to determine the quality of the online resource. The most searched term (average monthly queries) on Google was "sinus surgery" (13,190), followed by "balloon sinuplasty" (9212). For FESS and balloon sinuplasty, most questions focused on treatment of sinusitis (71.64% vs 79.19%) and preoperative inquiries about sinus issues (11.50% vs 11.35%). Answers to PAA questions for FESS were obtained from academic sources at a higher frequency compared to balloon sinuplasty (26.7% vs 10.3%, P = .016) but a lower frequency from medical practice websites (15.2% vs 29.3%, P = .042). The mean (SD) JAMA scores for FESS and balloon sinuplasty sources were 1.59 (1.46) and 1.40 (1.46), respectively. There is a high volume of online search queries regarding FESS and balloon sinuplasty. The quality of the sources could be improved by addressing authorship, attribution, disclosure, and currency. This information may help otolaryngologists better address patient queries.

The enlargement of the maxillary ostium after balloon sinuplasty evaluated by a novel measuring technique from 3D CBCT images

Our aim was to evaluate the effects of balloon sinuplasty on the size of the ostium in the maxillary sinuses in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis from cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) scans of the sinus. This is a blinded retrospective trial in patients who had undergone balloon sinuplasty of the maxillary sinus. CBCT scans were taken and SNOT-22 Quality of Life questionnaire completed before and 12 months after the operation. The size of the maxillary ostium was measured from the CBCT scans three-dimensionally. The association of changes in the SNOT-22 scores of the ostium was analysed. We discovered that the balloon sinuplasty increased the size of the maxillary ostium in all dimensions. The changes were statistically significant (p<0.05) in the axial diameter and the ostium area. The number of patent ostia increased after the intervention. The association between SNOT-22 score and ostium patency were statistically significant before the operation. Our conclusion is that the threedimensional measuring technique provides a reliable method to evaluate ostium dimensions. Balloon sinuplasty increased the size of the maxillary ostium and the result was maintained for 12 months after the operation.

Otolaryngologist Characteristics and Outlier Use of Balloon Sinuplasty in the Medicare Population.

Balloon sinuplasty (BSP) is associated with varied practice patterns. This study sought to identify otolaryngologist characteristics associated with BSP utilization. Retrospective analysis of Medicare claims data and the National Physician Compare database. Outlier otolaryngologists were compared to non-outliers. Otolaryngologist characteristics included sex, practice size, geographic setting, years of experience, procedure setting, 10 or fewer endoscopic sinus surgeries per year for 3 or more years, and high number of services per unique Medicare beneficiary. Outlier status was defined as performing an annual total of balloon procedures of 2 standard deviations (SDs) above the mean for all otolaryngologists in the same year. Between January 2012 and December 2017, 1,408 otolaryngologists performed 101,662 endoscopic sinus surgeries and 97,680 BSP procedures. Sixty-six outlier otolaryngologists (4.7%) accounted for 44.3% of all BSP procedures. Outlier status was associated with practice size of 10 or fewer individual providers (OR, 5.15; 95% CI, 2.73-9.74; P < .001), performance of 10 or fewer total endoscopic sinus surgeries per year for 3 or more years (OR, 3.90; 95% CI, 1.59-9.57; P=.003), and high number of overall services per beneficiary (OR 6.70; 95% CI, 1.19-37.84; P=.031). Provider sex, years of experience, and geographic setting were not associated with outlier status. Outlier BSP patterns are associated with a few otolaryngologists who are more likely to be identified in small practices and record low numbers of endoscopic surgeries. Although BSP is an appropriate and effective tool, identification of outlier patterns may help to facilitate peer-to-peer counsel. 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1340-1345, 2022.

Trends in Endoscopic Sinonasal Debridement in the Medicare Population.

Nasal/sinus endoscopy with biopsy/polypectomy/debridement, or Current Procedure Terminology code 31237, is one of the top 10 most frequent and highest billed otolaryngology procedures among Medicare patients. We analyzed temporal and geographic trends in endoscopic debridement, and correlated them with sinus surgery and balloon sinuplasty trends. Medicare Part-B National Summary Data Files were analyzed from 2000 to 2016 for temporal trends of endoscopic debridement. Medicare Physician and Other Supplier Public Use Files detailing provider information were collected and analyzed from 2012 to 2016. Individual providers performing a reportable number of procedures were included. Linear regression was used to correlate endoscopic debridement, sinus surgery, and balloon sinuplasty procedures. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of endoscopic debridement procedures increased from 31,579 to 79,762 (6.0% average annual growth). The annual total payments increased from $5,944,582 to $19,438,956 (8.4% average annual growth), with average allowed charge per procedure increasing from $188.24 to $243.71. The greatest and least number of debridement procedures occurred in the Southeast (12,703) and New England (1810) regions, respectively. There was a positive correlation between providers (n = 752) performing endoscopic debridement and sinus surgery (r = 0.31, p < 0.001), which was similar to providers performing endoscopic debridement and balloon sinuplasty (r = 0.29, P < 0.001). Otolaryngologists continue to perform increasing numbers of endoscopic debridements and receive increasing payments. There is some geographic variation in these trends. Among individual providers, there was a positive correlation between the number of endoscopic debridement procedures and both the number of balloon sinuplasty and sinus surgery procedures.

Balloon sinuplasty: two-year follow up using Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 outcomes.

Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new surgical technology proposed as a less invasive way of treating chronic rhinosinusitis and frontal sinus disease. It is crucial to monitor safety and efficacy to allow informed clinical decisions and appropriate counselling of patients. There are few papers with long-term follow up. Patients were selected for surgery based on symptoms of frontal pain and pressure or headache, pre-operative Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores, and computed tomography findings. All were resistant to appropriate medical therapy. Balloon sinuplasty was performed followed by a Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 questionnaire at two months and then two years. All patients underwent successful operations with no failure of technology or technique. There were no significant complications. The average Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 score reduced from 46 pre-operatively (standard error: +/- 5.7, n = 9) to 23 at 2 months (standard error: +/- 7.6, n = 7). At 2 years, the average Sino-Nasal Outcome Test score was 23 (standard error: +/- 4.3, n = 6). There was an even larger lasting benefit when pain or pressure symptoms were analysed in isolation. This study adds to the evidence of technique safety and feasibility. The procedure resulted in a significant long-term improvement in symptoms.

Does Mask Usage Worsen Symptoms in Patients With Rhinosinusitis Balloon Sinuplasty Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic?

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines have reshaped the way that we live our lives. Perhaps the most common and strictly adopted measure has been mask wearing. Mask wearing, whether it be cloth, surgical, or N95, has quickly become the new norm in the ongoing struggle against this pandemic and has been proven to be effective in curbing its high infection rate. There has, however, been growing opposition to these policies by a substantial part of the general population who claims that masks are ineffective and can worsen breathing. To some, the choice to use or not use a mask has morphed into a point of political contention, rather than a choice rooted in concerns for public health. This commentary attempts to investigate the validity of these claims and explore how clinicians can encourage the usage of masks despite the fears and confusion against them.

Long-Term Follow-Up After Maxillary Sinus Balloon Sinuplasty and ESS.

The aim of this controlled follow-up study was to compare the need for revision surgery, long-term efficacy, and satisfaction in chronic rhinosinusitis patients who had undergone maxillary sinus operation with either balloon sinuplasty or traditional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) technique. Thirty-nine ESS patients and 36 balloon patients of our previously described cohort, who had been primarily operated in 2008 to 2010, were contacted by phone. Symptoms, satisfaction, and need for revision surgery were asked. In addition, we collected data of patients who had undergone primary maxillary sinus balloon sinuplasty in the Helsinki University Hospital during the years 2005 to 2019. As a control group, we collected data of patients who had undergone primary maxillary sinus ESS at 3 Finnish University Hospitals, and 1 Central Hospital in years 2005, 2008, and 2011. Altogether, 77 balloon patients and 82 ESS patients were included. The mean follow-up time was 5.3 years in balloon group and 9.8 years in ESS group. Revision surgery was performed on 17 balloon patients and 6 ESS patients. In the survival analysis, the balloon sinuplasty associated significantly with a higher risk of revision surgery compared to ESS. According to the phone interviews, 82% of ESS patients and 75% of balloon patients were very satisfied with the primary operation. Although the patient groups expressed equal satisfaction and change in symptoms after the operations, the need for revision surgery was higher after balloon sinuplasty than after ESS. This should be emphasized when counselling patients regarding surgical options.

Effect of Partial Uncinectomy After Balloon Sinuplasty on Maxillary Sinus Irrigant Penetration: A Cadaveric Study.

ObjectiveThe uncinate process may play a role in the amount of irrigation penetrance. In this cadaver study, we aimed to investigate if the addition of partial uncinectomy provides better maxillary sinus irrigation penetrance than balloon sinuplasty (BSP) alone.Study DesignCadaveric study.SettingSimulation laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Florida.MethodsFive fresh-frozen human cadaveric heads (10 sides) were used to assess maxillary sinus irrigation penetration after 3 interventions performed sequentially: irrigation penetrance with no intervention, irrigation after BSP, and irrigation after BSP and partial removal of the uncinate. Penetrance was recorded with intrasinus endoscopy and scored by 4 blinded observers using a scale from 0 (no irrigation) to 5 (fully irrigated). The diameter of the maxillary ostium was measured before and after BSP. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsMean ostium size increased from 4.1 to 6.8 mm after BSP (P = .013). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.93. The median scores of irrigation penetration after no intervention, BSP, and BSP and partial uncinectomy were 2.5, 3, and 4, respectively. We found a significantly higher penetrance following partial uncinectomy plus BSP versus BSP alone (P = .008). Both interventions had a statistically significant difference in irrigation penetrance as compared with no intervention (P = .0001).ConclusionMaxillary sinus irrigation penetration increased from baseline after BSP. The addition of a partial uncinectomy to the balloon dilation of the maxillary sinus was associated with a statistically significant increase in irrigation penetrance scores as compared with BSP alone.

Balloon sinuplasty in one-day surgery.

IntroductionBalloon sinus dilation is becoming an increasingly common procedure, finding a niche as an invaluable tool in endoscopic sinus surgery.AimTo assess the effectiveness of balloon sinus dilation (BSD) in 1-day surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps based on our own experience.Material and methodsThe study group consisted of 9 patients. The Lund-Mackay scale for computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses was assessed prior to surgery. Endoscopy was performed on the basis of the Lund-Kennedy scale and patients were asked to perform the SNOT-22 survey. Two patients underwent balloon sinuplasty under general and seven under local anaesthesia.ResultsTwelve maxillary and eight frontal sinuses were widened (four attempts were unsuccessful). The SNOT-22 survey was assessed the day after surgery (average of 8 points) and a month after surgery (average of 15.5 points).ConclusionsBSD only allows widening of the ostia of the maxillary, frontal and sphenoid sinuses. BSD offers shorter post-surgical recovery, and a more rapid return to work because of its less invasive and less traumatic nature.

Sinus Surgery: Analysis of Videos Available Online.

ObjectivesYouTube is the second most visited website in the world and can be a useful resource for patients to gain insight into surgical procedures. A multitude of studies have evaluated the quality of otolaryngology-specific healthcare information available on the YouTube platform, but to our knowledge, the online content regarding functional endoscopic sinus surgery available on this site has not been systematically evaluated.Study DesignCross sectional study.SettingOnline.MethodsYouTube was searched using the keywords “sinus surgery.” Variables including video length, total number of views, authorship (academic, private practice physician, patient, or third party), objective (advertisement, informative, or patient perspective), inclusion of intra-operative footage, and discussion of balloon sinuplasty were recorded and analyzed by a single reviewer.ResultsTwo-hundred twenty-two videos met inclusion criteria, with a median length of 4 minutes, and a median of 3349 views. The majority of videos were informative (n = 145, 65%), narrated (n = 151, 68%), and did not mention balloon sinuplasty (n = 189, 85%) nor contain intra-operative footage (n = 116, 52%). Private practice physicians were the most common authors (n = 113, 51%), followed by patients (n = 70, 32%), third parties (n = 28, 13%) and academics (n = 11, 5%).ConclusionsSinus surgery is one of the most common ambulatory procedures performed. Online resources such as YouTube can be useful for improving health literacy and patient comfort with medical topics such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery, but it is important for clinicians and patients to understand that there is a spectrum in the authorship, content, and quality of sinus surgery related videos posted online.