Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Research Articles

Complications of primary pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: A 25-year single surgeon experience.

ObjectiveTo report our experience on the complications of primary pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).MethodsCase series of pediatric ESS performed from 1991 to 2016 on children who failed maximal medical therapy and/or adenoidectomy. Inclusion criteria were children (age <12 years old) who underwent primary ESS with or without adenoidectomy for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) after failed maximal medical therapy and/or adenoidectomy. All patients underwent maxillary antrostomy ± partial or total ethmoidectomy. Patients with complicated acute rhinosinusitis were excluded. Complications reviewed included: skull base injury and CSF leak, orbital injuries (blindness, orbital hemorrhage, emphysema, periorbital swelling and bruising, fat exposure), and bleeding requiring intervention.ResultsA total of 352 patients underwent ESS between 1991 and 2016. There were no blindness or orbital hematoma reported, and no major nasal bleeding requiring intervention. The total number of complications was 31 (8.8%): 1 (0.3%) CSF leak, 3 (0.85%) orbital emphysema, 5 (1.4%) periorbital ecchymosis, and 22 (6.3%) lamina papyracea violation with orbital fat exposure.ConclusionsComplications of primary pediatric ESS can be rare dependent on surgeon's experience, the most common being orbital injury.Level of evidence: 4.

Pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery and skull base surgery in a tertiary hospital

Background: Pathology along the anterior and posterior skull base has long posed challenges to surgeons due to the difficulty accessing these locations and complexity of the surrounding neurovascular anatomy. Initial surgical management of these disorders included open craniofacial approaches and craniotomy, and these approaches are still utilized today for selected cases. However, advances in the latter half of the 20th century in optics, endoscope design, and high definition digital images allowed the development of microscopic and, more recently, endoscopic approaches to the skull base. This technology was initially developed and used in adults but has been adapted over time for use in the pediatric patient. Objectives: Assess the prevalence of pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and skull-base surgery and evaluation of its role in clinical practice. Patients and Methods: This study was of a retrospective observational clinical type and was carried in the tertiary referral center. A total of 60 patients who subjected to ESS were included in this study. Data was then transferred to the Statistical Package of Social Science Software program, version 23 (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY) to be statistically analyzed. Results: The data of 60 children were obtained from King Fahd Specialized Hospital-Dammam data base. They were classified into five groups according to the type of surgery. Most of the patients (36.7%) suffered from allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS). Their ages ranged from 0.1 to 17 years old with the Mean ± SD of 8.8 ± 5.4 years and a median of 10 years. About half of them (46.7%) were more than 10-year old. More than half of them (51.7%) were males. Most of them (60%) subjected to Functional ESS. 21.7% were diagnosed with Fungal Sinusitis and 20% diagnosed with 20% Choanal Atresia. Conclusion: The ESS is an effective way to control many different conditions, including chronic rhinosinusitis, cerebrospinal fluid Rhinorrhea, AFS, Tumors, and Choanal atresia among children population.

Racial Disparities in Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

To determine the impact of race and ethnicity on 30-day complications following pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Cross-sectional cohort study. Patients ≤ 18 years of age undergoing ESS from 2015 to 2017 were identified in the Pediatric National Surgical Improvement Program-Pediatric database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical indication, and postoperative complications were extracted. Patient race/ethnicity included non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, and other. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine if race/ethnicity was a predictor of postoperative complications after ESS. A total of 4,337 patients were included in the study. The median age was 10.9 (interquartile range: 14.5-6.7) years. The cohort was comprised of 68.3% non-Hispanic white, 13.9% non-Hispanic black, 9.7% Hispanic, and 2.1% other. The 30-day complication rate was 3.2%, and the mortality rate was 0.3%. The rate of reoperation was 3.8%, and readmission was 4.1%. Black and Hispanic patients had higher rates of urgent operations (P = .003 and P < .001, respectively), and black patients had a higher incidence of emergent operations (P < .001) compared to their white peers. For elective ESS cases, multivariable analysis adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, and surgical indication indicated that children of Hispanic ethnicity had increased postoperative complications (odds ratio: 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-2.37). This analysis demonstrated that black and Hispanic children disproportionately undergo more urgent and emergent ESS. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with increased 30-day complications following elective pediatric ESS. Further studies are needed to elucidate potential causes of these disparities and identify areas for improvement. 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1369-E1374, 2021.

Utility of Second-Look Endoscopy with Debridement After Pediatric Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

To determine the utility of Second-look endoscopy with debridement (SLED) after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. To compare outcomes in pediatric CF patients undergoing sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis with or without SLED. To describe findings present at the time of SLED. Retrospective chart review of 61 ESS procedures performed at a tertiary care pediatric center from 2013 to 2016. Data collected included demographics, SLED findings, and 6-month pre-/postoperative disease specific outcomes including incidence of sinonasal and pulmonary exacerbations and revisions. Sixty-one cases were reviewed. SLED was performed in 38 cases on average 22.4 days postoperatively. Average preoperative Lund-Mackay score was 14.9 and 14.8 among patients undergoing ESS with and without SLED, respectively. Pre-/postoperative intranasal steroid use and extent of surgery performed was similar among all patients. At the time of SLED, rates of synechiae, polyps and maxillary antrostomy obstruction were 26.3%, 23.7%, and 7.9%, respectively. The incidence and number of days to onset of postoperative sinonasal exacerbations requiring antibiotic therapy within 6 months of ESS were 1.0 (SD 1.0) and 85 days (SD 45.7); and 1.3 (SD 1.0) and 80.4 days (SD 40.5) for patients undergoing ESS with and without SLED, respectively (P value .33). The number of days to first pulmonary exacerbation was 113.9 (SD 45.5) and 47.4 (SD 34.1) among SLED and non-SLED patients, respectively (P value .01). No significant difference was observed in revision rates and time to revision ESS (30% and overall average 1.4 years, respectively). The utility of SLED among pediatric CF patients remains unclear. While debridement did not have a significant impact on sinonasal exacerbations or revision rates, pulmonary exacerbations for patients undergoing SLED were delayed. Further studies are needed to clarify the impact of SLED.

Readmissions following ambulatory pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery.

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is indicated in select pediatric patients with medically refractory sinus disease. Our objectives were to examine indications and rates of readmission following ambulatory pediatric ESS and identify specific subgroups that may benefit from inpatient admission. Retrospective database review. The Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS) 2004-2016 database was retrospectively reviewed for patients age <18 years who underwent ambulatory ESS between January 2011 and December 2016 and were readmitted within 30 days postoperatively. Data regarding demographics, extent of surgery, comorbidities, adjunctive procedures, and cost were collected. A multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model was employed for analysis. We identified 3,669 unique pediatric ESS cases with 128 readmissions within 30 days (3.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.9%-4.1%). Median cost of readmission was $980 (mean, $5,890; standard deviation, $13,421). The most common indication for readmission was epistaxis (17.2%), followed by nausea/abdominal pain (14.1%). Respiratory infection (13.3%) and sinusitis (10.2%) presented a combined readmission rate exceeding that of epistaxis alone. Multivariable analysis indicated age <3 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.96-5.93) and a prior diagnosis of asthma (OR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.99-4.18) or cystic fibrosis (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.00-2.44) significantly increased the risk of readmission. Extent of ESS and simultaneous adenoidectomy, septoplasty, or turbinate reduction had no significant impact on readmission rates. ESS is a relatively safe outpatient surgical procedure in pediatric patients, with an overall readmission rate of 3.5%. Clinicians should consider careful preoperative evaluation of very young patients and those with cystic fibrosis or asthma to optimize perioperative management and determine if postoperative admission is warranted, given their significantly higher readmission rates. NA Laryngoscope, 129:2681-2686, 2019.

Anatomic variations of the paranasal sinuses in the general pediatric population.

The prevalence of sinuses' anatomic variations in the healthy pediatric population has not been studied. The study describes the prevalence of known anatomic variations with regard to gender and age in this population. A single academic institute observational cohort study. A total of 200 head CT scans were reviewed, subdivided into five equal age subgroups (0-4.99; 5-7.99; 8-10.99; 11-13.99; 14-17 years), with an equal male to female ratio. Different subgroups were randomly assigned to two senior residents (100 CTs each). A senior rhinologist and radiologist were randomly selected to review 100 CTs each. Consensus was reached after a joint review. Each CT was evaluated for the presence of sinuses and the following variations: deviated septum, frontoethmoidal, infraorbital, posterior-ethmoid cells (Kuhn, Haller, and Onodi cells, respectively) and concha bullosa. Definitions were made according to the European Position on Rhinosinusitis 2012. Gender did not affect sinus development or anatomical variations. The frontal and sphenoid sinuses were significantly less developed in the 0-4.99 years group. The point prevalence of concha bullosa and deviated septum significantly increased with age. The point prevalence of Haller cells demonstrated borderline significance among age groups, with children 0-4.99 demonstrating the lowest point prevalence. A significant association was found between the existence of Haller cells to Kuhn and Onodi cells. Anatomical variations should be expected in the pediatric population. Familiarity with their point prevalence and associations may assist pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery planning.

The Effect of Long-Term Follow up on Outcome of Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The Effect of Long-Term Follow up on Outcome of Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Pediatric sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis

Pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis is a common health problem. Pathophysiology is complicated which leads to different treatment options and approaches. Medical treatment with antibiotics and topical nasal sprays is the first line treatment. Surgical intervention includes adenoidectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery. Endoscopic sinus surgery has proven to be an effective and safe option when everything else fails. In this article, we review the indications, our surgical approach and techniques, and the safety considerations in pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery.

Update on pediatric sinus surgery: indications and outcomes.

To review the recent literature of pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Sinus balloon catheter dilation is an important addition to the surgical treatment tools for pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (PCRS). ESS is a safe and effective therapeutic modality for uncomplicated PCRS. For PCRS complicated by comorbidities including cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia, ESS and adjuvant medical therapy confers significant sinus, pulmonary, and quality of life benefits to pediatric patients. ESS is a safe and effective treatment modality in the management of pediatric acute and chronic sinus disorders.

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

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.

Safety and Perioperative Adverse Events in Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: An ACS-NSQIP-P Analysis.

This study describes safety outcomes of pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) to identify risk factors for 30-day postoperative adverse events using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database. We performed a retrospective cohort study involving patients in the 2012-2015 NSQIP-P database who underwent ESS. Predictors included demographics, comorbidities and surgical acuity. Outcomes included 30-day complications, reoperations, and readmissions. Among 2,061 ESS cases identified, 1,829 (88.7%) were elective and 232 (11.3%) were urgent/emergent. There were 92 (4.5%) readmissions, 54 (2.6%) unplanned reoperations, and 61 (3.0%) complications. On multivariate analysis, readmission was associated with urgent/emergent procedures (OR 2.31, CI 1.36-3.93, p<0.01) and history of bleeding disorder (OR 2.24, CI 1.12-4.44, p = 0.02), reoperation was associated with urgent/emergent procedures (OR 5.78, CI 3.24-10.34, p<0.01), and complications were associated with urgent/emergent procedures (OR 3.81, CI 2.13-6.82, p<0.01) and history of bleeding disorder (OR 5.30, CI 2.74-10.20, p<0.01). Bleeding requiring transfusion was associated with urgent/emergent procedures (OR 9.61, CI 2.90-31.80, p<0.01), history of bleeding disorder (OR 14.16, CI 4.41-45.45, p<0.01), and age <3 years (OR 3.92, CI 0.99-15.61, p = 0.05). Black children were significantly more likely to undergo urgent/emergent surgery than white children (19.7% vs. 9.6%, p<0.01). This multi-institutional study confirms that while pediatric ESS is largely safe, urgent/emergent procedures carry the greatest risk of postoperative adverse events, and black children are significantly more likely to undergo higher acuity surgery than white children. Regardless of procedure acuity, young age and bleeding disorder are associated with higher risk of 30-day adverse events.

The role of sinus surgery in children

To critically review the current literature discussing the outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in children with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Literature review. PubMed database and the Cochrane Library were searched. The PubMed search included all English-language literature published between January 1990 and July 2012 discussing the role of ESS in children with CRS. Studies that included patients with cystic fibrosis, primary immunodeficiency disorders, or ciliary dysmotility disorders were excluded. Of the 507 articles retrieved from the primary research strategy, 11 studies were included for further discussion. There were no randomized controlled studies. The rate of success of pediatric ESS ranged from 82% to 100% in selected patients. Children undergoing ESS for CRS usually have more severe disease compared to those who get medical treatment or adenoidectomy. The extracted rate of complication was 1.4%, with no cases of cerebrospinal fluid leak or major orbital injury such as hematoma or blindness reported. ESS offers a surgical alternative in the treatment of CRS in children with an excellent safety profile. There remains a need for higher level studies addressing the indications of ESS in children.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery in children: predictive factors of outcome

The main objective of this study is to assess the results of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in children and to determine which factors independently influence the postoperative results. It is a prospective study by Mansoura University Hospital. 87 patients with different applications of pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery (PESS) chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal allergy (45 patients), CRS without nasal allergy (36 patients) and CRS with polypsis (6 patients) from 2005 to 2010 were included. All children underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. All patients were clinically, radiologically and endoscopically monitored. In this study, the overall success rate was 87.69%, the success rate for CRS with nasal allergy was 87.5%, the success rate for CRS without nasal allergy was 85.7% and the success rate for CRS with polyposis was 93%. Regarding the patients' age, it could affect the surgical score value (X(2) = 9.446 and P* = 0.009). There was significant relation between type of the preoperative disease extent, adenoidectomy, second look operation and postoperative improvement. There was no significant relation between type of the preoperative disease or previous surgery and postoperative improvement. In conclusion, postoperative improvement was significantly correlated with extent of preoperative disease, adenoidectomy and second look operation and not significantly correlated with type of the preoperative disease or previous surgery. The results of PESS are influenced by age group, a younger age group is associated with more adhesions and recurrences and an older age group is associated with blood loss and higher surgical score. All these variables are contributing in the outcome of PESS.

Paranasal Sinus Development in Children: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis

The anatomy of the paranasal sinus is significantly different between adults and children, and surgeons must be aware of these differences to safely perform pediatric functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the normal dimensions of the paranasal sinuses during development using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data compiled from the largest cohort to date. The records of 2025 children, aged 0-18 years, who underwent cranial MRI, were examined retrospectively and 1452 patients with no history of sinus disease were included in the study. Coronal, axial, and sagittal images were used to measure the dimensions of the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses, and the sinus volume index was measured. Patients were divided into 10 cohorts based on their age at the time of the scan. No difference between left and right one-dimensional measurements and volume indexes for the maxillary, sphenoid, ethmoid, and frontal sinuses was observed in any age group. Initial signs of pneumatization were observed at birth for the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses, at 9 months for sphenoid sinus, and after the age of 5 years for the frontal sinus. These results will help physicians correlate the clinical and radiographic findings of pediatric patients who are being evaluated for sinus disease and potential surgical intervention. Knowledge of the variations in the size of the paranasal sinuses is essential for determining the significance of incidental findings.

Surgical Distance to the Sphenoid Ostium

To establish and compare the distance and angle from the limen nasi to the sphenoid ostium in pediatric patients with normal sinonasal anatomy vs pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Retrospective review of computed tomographic images. Tertiary university-based medical center. Patients (newborn to age 20 years) with normal sinonasal anatomy (n = 117) or CF (n = 15). We used a fourth-degree polynomial to curve-fit the distance to the sphenoid ostium vs age for patients with normal sinonasal anatomy, producing a coefficient of determination (R(2)) of 82%. With this regression curve, we produced a normative distance equation and a normative distance graph using age to predict the distance (95% confidence interval). We validated the normative distance curve fit among 30 new pediatric patients. No significant difference in the distance to the sphenoid ostium was found between healthy patients and patients with CF. There was no correlation between age and angle in either patient group. The mean (SD) angle was statistically different between healthy patients (37.5 degrees [7.5 degrees]) and patients with CF (41.4 degrees [7.4 degrees]). Using a normative distance graph and the mean angle, surgeons performing pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery can predict the distance to the sphenoid ostium for healthy patients and for patients with CF. These findings may decrease complications of endoscopic sinus surgery among the pediatric population.

Optimizing the surgical field in pediatric functional endoscopic sinus surgery: A new evidence-based approach

Objectives To conduct the first prospective randomized controlled study 1) evaluating the possibility of improving the quality of the operative field and to provide a bloodless functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in children through total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) using remifentanil combined with propofol, and 2) testing the safety and efficacy of remifentanil in propofol-TIVA in inducing controlled hypotension in children at a target mean arterial blood pressure of 50 mm Hg. Study Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting General hospital. Subjects and Methods Seventy children underwent FESS under hypotensive general anesthesia with equal randomization into two groups. Group I received TIVA with remifentanil, whereas group II had balanced anesthesia (BA) with esmolol. Heart rate, blood pressure, operative time, blood loss, and quality of the surgical conditions were recorded. Results Intraoperative blood loss in the TIVA group was less than in the BA group. The quality and dryness of the surgical field in both the visual analogue scale and the six-point scale was significantly better in the TIVA group than in the BA group. Hypotension was sustained at the target mean arterial blood pressure of 50 mm Hg in the two groups, without any significant difference. Conclusion Improving the quality of the surgical field and providing a bloodless FESS in children is attainable with TIVA. TIVA using a combination of remifentanil and propofol is superior to BA, even with the use of additional potent hypotensive agents such as esmolol. Both techniques are safe and effective in inducing controlled hypotension in children at a target mean arterial blood pressure of 50 mm Hg.

Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in a Tertiary Government Hospital: Patient Profile and Surgical Indications

Objective: To describe the clinical and demographic profile of patients who underwent pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS), and the indications for which the procedure was performed.&#x0D; Methods:&#x0D; Design: Cross-sectional Study&#x0D; Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital&#x0D; Subjects: Using the medical record registry, all patients below 18 years of age who underwent ESS under the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery of a tertiary government hospital in Metro Manila between December 31, 1999 and January 1, 2008 were reviewed. The age, sex, clinical presentation, and indications for doing ESS, and extent of surgery done were described. The Lund MacKay Grading for nasal polyposis and Scoring for sinusitis were also applied and cross-referenced.&#x0D; Results: Twenty-seven children aged 7 to 17 years underwent ESS. The mean age was 12.9 years, with most (15 patients) belonging to the adolescent age group (13-17 years). Male to female ratio was 1.45:1. The mean interval from onset of symptoms to the first outpatient consultation was 1.5 years; the most common presenting symptoms were nasal obstruction (85.2%) and discharge (59.3%).&#x0D; All of the patients who underwent pediatric ESS had chronic rhinosinusitis: either with nasal polyposis (85.2%), an antrochoanal polyp (11.1%), or both (3.7%). The Lund Mackay Grading for nasal polyps and sinusitis scores were cross-referenced: patients with larger, grade III nasal polyps tended to have more extensive sinus disease than those with grade II polyps. On their first consultation, the patients tended to present with extensive nasal polyp and sinus disease, indicating the need for surgery.&#x0D; All patients with CRS and nasal polyposis underwent polypectomy with ethmoidectomy, uncinectomy and maxillary antrostomy, with additional frontal sinusotomy for a 17 year old male and a 17 year old female, both with grade 3 polyposis. The three patients who had antrochoanal polyps underwent polypectomy with uncinectomy and maxillary antrostomy. There were no operative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leak and orbital injury reported.&#x0D; Conclusion: Most of the patients who underwent pediatric ESS were older children who were brought for consultation with long-standing, extensive nasal polyp and sinus disease or with antrochoanal polyps, necessitating surgical management. Patients with larger polyps tended to have more extensive sinus disease. They all underwent conservative surgery, with extent of the procedure limited to the extent of the disease present. Efforts to raise public awareness about chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis in children may result in seeing such cases at an earlier, conservatively treatable stage&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Nasal Polyposis in Children

Risk factors for protracted sinusitis in pediatrics after endoscopic sinus surgery

Objectives The goal of this article is to investigate the factors leading to protracted nasal discharge after pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods A retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients who had received endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis between January 2002 and September 2006 was conducted. The patients were assigned to the “protracted” group if they demonstrated persistent mucopurulent nasal discharge for more than 3 months after endoscopic sinus surgery, and otherwise to the “resolved” group. Results There were 21 “protracted” patients (39.6%) and 32 “resolved” patients (60.4%). Among these patients, age at diagnosis or operation, time from initial diagnosis to operation, and blood eosinophil count did not differed significantly between the “protracted” and the “resolved” groups. On the other hand, sinonasal polyposis (80.9% vs. 53.1%, P = 0.039), history of allergic rhinitis (52.4% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.002) and gender (male vs. female = 80.9% vs. 43.7%, P = 0.007) were more frequently observed in the “protracted” group than in the “resolved” group. These associations remained significant in a multivariate logistic regression (odds ratio = 9.36, 10.69 and 14.84, respectively). Conclusion Sinonasal polyposis, history of allergic rhinitis and gender were significant and independent risk factors for protracted nasal discharge after pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery. These risk factors should be taken into consideration during preoperative counseling.

Effects of Meropack in the middle meatus after functional endoscopic sinus surgery in children with chronic sinusitis

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects and morbidities of Meropack, an absorbable hyaluronic acid packing material, placed in the middle meatus after endoscopic sinus surgery in children with chronic sinusitis. Sixty consecutive children with similar degrees of bilateral chronic sinusitis were enrolled in the study. Meropack was randomly inserted into one side of the middle meatus, while the opposite sinus was not packed after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Patients were investigated 3, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. The effects and morbidities of nasal dressings in the middle meatus were evaluated with respect to six distinct parameters: blood loss during surgery, postoperative hemorrhage, synechiae, granulation tissue, infection, and patency of the maxillary sinus ostia. Mean blood loss of packed and unpacked sinuses did not significantly differ (p > 0.05). Twenty-nine (15 packed, 14 unpacked) of the 120 sinuses underwent resection of the lateral wall of concha bullosa. Four of 14 unpacked sinuses had postoperative hemorrhaging, while the 15 packed sinuses did not (p < 0.05). The mean synechiae scores at the first follow-up visit for the Meropack filled and unpacked sinuses differed significantly (p < 0.05). For the 8- and 12-week follow-up visits, severity of adhesions, granulation tissue formation, infection rate, and patency of the maxillary sinus ostia did not differ significantly between the Meropack filled sinuses and the unpacked sinuses (p > 0.05 for all). Meropack dressings effectively prevented postoperative hemorrhage, but did not significantly reduced synechiae after endoscopic sinus surgery. Therefore, we recommend that Meropack packing is not necessary for routine use following pediatric functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). However, it should be reserved for children who are predisposed to develop postoperative hemorrhages or adhesions, such as resection of the concha bullosa, traumatic surgery with the creation of large raw surfaces on the middle turbinate, and revision surgery with preexisting adhesions.

Current Indications for Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

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.