Post-functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Research Articles

Comparison of intranasal medication delivery devices before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery using Phacon sinus surgery models.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis improves sinus drainage and intranasal medication delivery. This study compares medication delivery with commonly used devices in normal and altered anatomy (post functional endoscopic sinus surgery) using sinus surgery models (Phacon). Medication delivery was simulated via nasal drops, nasal spray and an irrigation device (Neilmed Sinus Rinse). Coverage was then calculated from endoscopic pictures taken at various anatomical sites in the normal nose and post functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In the normal nose, nasal spray did not penetrate the sphenoid sinus, and drops bypassed the vestibule anteriorly. Neilmed Sinus Rinse provided superior coverage at the sphenoid site following sphenoidectomy and the frontal site following Draf III. After ethmoidectomy, nasal drops overall provided less coverage than the other methods. Neilmed Sinus Rinse generally provided the best distribution, followed by the nasal spray and then nasal drops. The type and extent of surgery also affects medication delivery.

Usefulness of post-operative endoscopic score for optimal treatment selection in recurrent eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

This study retrospectively analysed post-operative endoscopic scores to determine the optimal post-operative treatment in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In total, 339 adults who underwent initial bilateral functional endoscopic sinus surgery for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis were enrolled. Patients were divided into group A, which required no additional post-operative treatment; group B, which required local/systemic steroids post-operatively; and group C, which further required dupilumab and/or revision surgery. Sixty-five per cent of patients could be treated with initial functional endoscopic sinus surgery (group A). Post-operative steroids were required in 35 per cent of patients with a post-operative endoscopic score of 30 per cent (group B). Further advanced treatments with dupilumab and/or revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery were required in 10 per cent of patients with a post-operative endoscopic score of 65 per cent (group C). The post functional endoscopic sinus surgery endoscopic score can be used as an index to determine treatment at the time of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis recurrence.

Modelling the effects of post-FESS middle turbinate synechiae on sinonasal physiology: A computational fluid dynamics study

Objective(s)Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is common and often requires surgical intervention. Surgical failure may lead to persistent symptoms and recalcitrant disease, often secondary to synechiae between the middle turbinate (MT) and lateral nasal wall. Synechiae prevention techniques have been extensively investigated, however evidence for the effect of synechiae on sinonasal physiology is lacking. We aimed to model the effects of MT synechiae on a post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) sinonasal cavity using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). MethodsDICOM data from a CT-sinus of a healthy 25-year-old female was segmented to create a three-dimensional model. Virtual surgery was performed to simulate a “full-house” FESS procedure. Multiple models were created, each with a single unilateral virtual MT synechia of varying extent. CFD analysis was performed on each model and compared with a post-FESS control model without synechiae. Airflow velocity, humidity and mucosal surface and air temperature values were calculated. ResultsAll synechiae models demonstrated aberrant downstream sinonasal airflow. There was reduced ventilation of the ipsilateral frontal, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, with a concentrated central “jet” in the middle meatus region. Effects were proportionate to the size of synechiae. The impact on bulk inspired airflow was negligible. ConclusionPost-FESS synechiae between the MT and lateral nasal wall significantly disrupt local downstream sinus ventilation and nasal airflow. These findings may explain the persistent symptoms seen in post-FESS CRS patients with MT synechiae, reinforcing the importance of prevention and adhesiolysis. Larger cohort studies with multiple models of actual post-FESS patients with synechiae are required to validate these findings.

Quality of life: pre-and post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis

Background: Chronic sinusitis (CRS) includes all inflammatory diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses with a minimum duration of 12 weeks. Physical examination (anterior rhinoscopy, endoscopy) and/or radiography, ideally from sinus computed tomography, can provide objective proof of the same. After failure of conservative treatment, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the preferred modality for chronic rhinosinusitis that has been frequently used over the past years. Methods: The present prospective study aimed to assess the quality of life (QOL), the nasal endoscopy scores- before and after FESS in 60 patients aged more than 18 years suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis. QOL was assessed using SNOT-20 questionnaire and endoscopy was quantified using Lund-Kennedy sinonasal endoscopy scoring system. Results: QOL scores were significantly higher (p<0.001) before surgery (41.28±15.30) than after FESS (6.83±5.96) indicating improvement in QOL. Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores of patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis before and after surgery was also significantly reduced (p<0.001). Conclusions: This study concludes that there is significant improvement in the QOL and reduction in the severity of symptoms in patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis after FESS.

Effect of Local Application of N. Acetylcysteine Post-Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Effect of Local Application of N. Acetylcysteine Post-Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Bacterial biofilm in adults with ENT pathology

Introduction. Chronic rhinosinusitis, a very common inflammatory condition, is a main public health issue affecting the quality of life. Furthermore, some patients do not respond to either medical or surgical intervention, which could be explained by the presence of the bacterial biofilm in the rhinosinusal zone. Objectives. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of endoscopic sinus surgery on olfactory impairment caused by chronic sinusitis with and without nasal polyps (CRSNP and CRS), by testing the olfactory function and potential dysfunction before and after endoscopic sinus surgery. Another objective is to find a connection between the percentage of coverage with bacterial biofilm of the nasal mucosa from patients with CRSNP and CRS and to evidence the fountain of infection role of the bacterial biofilm, while demonstrating that antibiotic therapy is not efficient once the bacterial biofilm is formed in the nasal sinuses. Materials and methods. We investigated 123 patients with CRSNP and CRS, which underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The olfactory function was tested pre and post FESS. We also analyzed and compared the scores of endoscopic images of Lund-Kennedy and CT staging scale of LundMackey for the two study groups. The degree of olfactory rehabilitation in patients with CRSNP and CRS was evaluated performing smell diskettes test. The presence of bacterial biofilm on the surface of the nasal mucosa extracted during FESS from patients with CRSNP and CRS was examined with the electronic microscope and the percentage of coverage with bacterial biofilm was measured with Carnoy software. Results. Bacterial biofilm was present in a higher percentage in patients with CRS vs. CRSNP. By comparing the level of olfactory function, significant improvement was found after FESS intervention in both study groups. Postoperatively, Lund-Kennedy scores decrease significantly for the whole group (Z = -9.66 at p < 0.001, d Cohen = 4.40), indicating the major role of surgery in the treatment of CRS. The decrease in Lund-Kennedy score values is also significant for each group. In the case of subjects diagnosed with CRS, the mean values decrease from 6.57 (preoperative) to 0.90 (postoperative), respectively Z = -6.779 to p < 0.001. In the case of subjects diagnosed with CRSNP, the mean values decrease from 9.03 (preoperative) to 1.44 (postoperative), Z = -6.927 at p < 0.001. Out of the total number of patients included in the study, 59 patients tested positive with the Prick test for dust and mites and more than half of the patients with positive allergy test were from the lot diagnosed with CRSNP. Conclusions. FESS plays an important role in the improvement of olfactory function in patients with CRS. Bacterial biofilm was present in both study groups but in higher percentage in the CRS group and was found in lower percentage in the group with positive allergy tests. The CRSNP group presented a higher positive result regarding the allergy Prick test and a lower percentage of coverage with bacterial biofilm of the nasal mucosa. In conclusion, chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps that is refractary to antibiotic therapy should be directed to the ENT department in order to receive surgical therapy in order to improve olfactory function.

Impacts of sinonasal polyposis on ventilatory pulmonary function pre and post functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Background: the upper and lower airway form one contagious functional unit and exposed to same similar inflammatory stimuli that support hypothesis disease in one part could reflect or manifest on another.Objective:to assess the effects of sinonasal polyposis on ventilatory function tests pre and post functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).Methodology: This Interventional study was carried out on 30 patients presented with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. All patients subjected to assessment of nasal obstruction scale (NOSE), nasal endoscopic examination, Lund MacKay CT score and PFT before and three months after FESS.Results: there was significant decrease of 2 items of NOSE scale (nasal obstruction and trouble sleeping), endoscopic examination score, and Lund MacKay CT score, with significant increase of PFT (FEV1FVC ratio, FEV1 %, FVC % and FEF 25-75%) three months post-operatively compared to preoperative values (p-value < 0.001). In the preoperative period 73.3% have obstructive PFT while in the post-operative period only 36.6% have obstructive pattern in PFT (p =0.004). By using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the most significant predictive factors of abnormal PFT in patients with sinonasal polyposis were right CT Lund MacKay scale (B= 0.74, p =0.014), left CT Lund MacKay scale (B= 0.56, p = 0.01), and total Lund MacKay CT score (0.4, p= 0.01). Conclusions: the sinonasal polyposis have negative effects in PFTs that improved after FESS. The predictive factor for reduced PFTs in patients with sinonasal polyposis is Lund MacKay CT score.

Effect of biodegradable versus nondegradable nasal packings in the outcome of functional endoscopic sinus surgery: clinical and histopathological study

BackgroundNasal packing has been used to prevent bleeding and formation of adhesions between the middle turbinate and lateral nasal wall. There has been a debate whether biodegradable packing might improve the outcome, or could a nondegradable dressing offer a better course after endoscopic sinus surgery.ObjectiveTo compare the effect of biodegradable versus nondegradable nasal packings on the outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery on clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic basis.Patients and MethodsFifty patients with bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis of the same extent of sinus affection were enrolled in this study. None of them was a revision case. All patients had bilateral functional endoscopic sinus surgery by the same surgeon using the same technique of powered microdebrider utilization. At the end of the procedure, the operative cavity of each patient was randomly packed with Merocel as a nondegradable material on one side and a biodegradable material on the other side. We assessed the patients regarding immediate postoperative symptoms and endoscopic follow-up after 1- and 3-month postoperatively including biopsy taking for histopathological examination.ResultsPostoperative bleeding and patient discomfort were significantly higher in the nondegradable packing side, while biodegradable packing has caused significantly more edema. Merocel packed sides showed better epithelial restoration with marked epithelial hyperplastic changes and more goblet cells than the biodegradable sides. This difference was statistically significant 1-month postoperatively, but turned nonsignificant 3-month postoperatively.ConclusionsBiodegradable nasal packing can offer patients a good quality of life during the early recovery period without beneficial or detrimental effects on postoperative mucosal healing. Nondegradable packs offer less post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery edema providing better aeration and rapid wound healing.

Postoperative nasal debridement following functional endoscopic sinus surgery, a systematic review of the literature.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a significant health problem, and the optimal postoperative treatment regime for patients post functional endoscopic sinus surgery has been a topic debated for years. To systematically review and critically evaluate the evidence relating to postoperative debridement of the nasal cavity following functional endoscopic sinus surgery to guide best practice. A search of the following databases was performed: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, and Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials. Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Pubmed. The following key words were used: Postoperative, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, sinus surgery, debridement, follow-up, from 1970 to 2013. Two independent reviewers assessed the relevant articles using the consort guidance on systematic reviews Moher etal. BMJ 2010; 340: c869. The best evidence available was 1B, with six Randomsied control trial (RCTs) identified. Four studies compared debridement against no debridement, and two looked at the frequency of the debridement. Cumulatively, results for 337 patients were included. Visual analogue scores were used in all studies. None of the results at the long-term follow-up showed any difference in sino-nasal outcome test scores or objective endoscopic scores. Four of the six studies demonstrated some benefit in symptom scores but only one in the long term. Two papers demonstrated the debridement group suffered more pain in the postoperative period. Currently, there is no clear evidence for frequent postoperative debridement. Further well-designed RCTs are required to establish clear benefit, optimal frequency, extent and timing of debridement.

Comparison of endoscopically‐guided swab vs aspirate culture techniques in post–endoscopic sinus surgery patients: blinded, prospective analysis

Culture-directed antibiotic therapy remains imperative in the management paradigm of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The objective of this study was to conduct a prospective, blinded comparison of endoscopically-guided swab and aspirate cultures from the same sinonasal site in patients presenting with acute infectious exacerbations post-sinus surgery. Forty-nine CRS patients were prospectively enrolled in a tertiary care rhinology clinic. At the conclusion of the study, all cultures were unblinded to determine mean culture yield, most common pathogens, potential contaminants, and therapeutic correlation. The mean patient age was 49 years and 40.8% were males. All patients had evidence of symptomatic exacerbation with purulence on endoscopy at the time of presentation. There was a mean of 1.367 pathogens assayed per aspirate culture vs a mean of 1.102 per swab culture (p = 0.0032). The prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 42% for aspirate vs 30% for swab cultures, respectively. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was 49% for suction cultures vs 45% for swab cultures. There were 9 and 11 likely contaminants using aspirate and swab cultures, respectively. Therapeutic correlation was strong in 67%, moderate in 18%, and weak in 14% of patients. This prospective analysis demonstrated higher culture yield, particularly with Pseudomonas, with aspirate vs swab cultures in postoperative patients. There is a strong clinical correlation between the 2 methods, and both aspirate and swab techniques serve as acceptable alternatives for endoscopic-guided cultures in patients with post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery infectious exacerbations.

Does Chinese herbal medicine or amoxicillin provide any benefit in post‐functional endoscopic sinus surgery care of chronic rhinosinusitis patients?

Does Chinese herbal medicine or amoxicillin provide any benefit in post‐functional endoscopic sinus surgery care of chronic rhinosinusitis patients?

Prospective evaluation of aerosol delivery by a powered nasal nebulizer in the cadaver model

The objective of this study was to compare the distribution of aerosol delivered via a powered nasal nebulizer device in 5 fresh frozen-cadaver heads (10 total sides). Nasoneb® (Medinvent, St. Paul, MN) was used to deliver a total volume of 10 mL (9 mL saline and 1 mL of 10% fluorescein). Aerosol distribution was assessed in 3 trials: (1) unoperated nose; (2) post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS); and (3) post-FESS with endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EML). Two independent observers rated the distribution of the fluorescein-dyed saline in the anterior nasal cavity (ANC), olfactory cleft (OC), middle meatus (MM), sphenoethmoid recess (SER), nasopharynx (NP), along with maxillary sinus (MS), ethmoid cavity (EC), sphenoid sinus (SS), frontal sinus (FS), and frontal neo-ostium (F-NEO) in the operated specimens. The nebulizer consistently delivered aerosolized saline to the ANC, MM/EC, and SER/SS across the 3 trials. A statistically significant increase in delivery was noted to the MM (p = 0.044) post-FESS. In addition, a statistically significant increase in delivery to the F-NEO was noted post-FESS with EML (p = 0.001). Multiplicity adjustment done for the FESS group showed statistically superior delivery to the EC vs OC (p = 0.031) and FS (p = 0.02) and to the SS vs FS (p = 0.031). Multiplicity adjustment after FESS with EML improved delivery to the FS, resulting in no statistical difference in aerosol delivery between F-NEO and EC or SS. The nebulizer consistently delivered aerosolized saline to multiple nasal subsites, with improvement in delivery seen to the middle meatal region after FESS and F-NEO after FESS with EML. This may have important implications for the delivery of topical medications to the paranasal sinuses in the postoperative setting.

Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Background:Pseudomonas aeruginosa is cultured in nearly 1 of 5 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and a history of sinus surgery. Fluoroquinolones are the only enterally administered antibiotics with efficacy against P. aeruginosa, but their frequent empiric use in the community raises concern for a rise in resistance. Objective: It was the aim of this study to determine the prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant P. aeruginosa in a tertiary rhinology practice. Methods: All bacterial sinus culture results from the outpatient otolaryngology clinic that yielded P. aeruginosa over a 5-year period (2002–2007) were reviewed along with the medical records of a randomly selected subset of patients. Results: In total, 689 culture results of 324 patients were examined. Nearly all patients had a history of endoscopic sinus surgery. Of all P. aeruginosa cultured, 13% were resistant to levofloxacin and 5% were intermediately sensitive, while 5% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 7% intermediately sensitive. Of the 324 patients in the study, 19 and 15% had a history of a P. aeruginosa culture resistant to levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin, respectively. Mucoid strains of P. aeruginosa were significantly more likely to be fluoroquinolone resistant. No patient comorbidities were associated with a higher rate of resistance. The prevalence of resistant cultures remained stable over the 5-year study period. Conclusions:P. aeruginosa is cultured primarily in patients with previous sinus surgery. Nearly 20% of isolates are resistant to fluoroquinolones. Resistance to levofloxacin is more common than resistance to ciprofloxacin. This study supports the use of culture-directed therapy in the management of the postfunctional endoscopic sinus surgery patient and the avoidance of empiric use of fluoroquinolones.

Clinical Correlation between Irrigation Bottle Contamination and Clinical Outcomes in Post-Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Patients

Sinonasal irrigation after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a common practice, but the role irrigation bottles play in iatrogenic contamination of the operated sinuses is unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether irrigation bottles used postoperatively become contaminated and have any potential association with immediate postsurgical infection and outcomes. Patients irrigated twice daily after ESS. Bottle cleaning was performed as recommended by the manufacturer. New bottles were distributed at the time of the operation and at each postoperative visit. During postoperative weeks 1, 2, and 4, bottles were cultured. Medical charts were reviewed for the presence of postsurgical infection and changes in management. Twenty post-ESS patients were enrolled and examined at weeks 1, 2, and 4. A total of 51 bottles were collected and cultured. Overall, 15 of 51 (29%) bottles demonstrated bacterial growth when cultured. During the first two collection periods, 10 of 40 (25%) bottles demonstrated bacterial growth when cultured; however, five of 11 (45%) bottles collected at the last postoperative visit demonstrated bacterial growth when cultured. During the study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were frequently recovered during the collection periods. Other organisms isolated included Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp. Although positive bottle cultures were more common at weeks 2 and 4, no postoperative infections occurred. Irrigation bottles used postoperatively have a measurable incidence of contamination. Contamination rate increases when bottles are used for longer than 1 week, but this does not appear to result in postsurgical infection.

Evaluation of Peripheral Eosinophil Counts Pre and Post-Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Nasal Polyposis in Patients with Concomitant Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

The etiology of elevated peripheral eosinophil counts is extensive, but common causes include asthma and allergic rhinitis. Individuals with extensive chronic rhino-sinusitis with nasal polyposis can also have eosinophilia. In patients with all three, it is hard to determine which disease is the primary cause. We describe two patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhino-sinusitis/nasal polyposis with persistent eosinophilia that underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and post-operative blood counts showed a significant decline in the absolute eosinophil counts.

Baby Shampoo Nasal Irrigations for the Symptomatic Post-functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Patient

Symptoms of postnasal drainage and thickened mucus are commonly seen in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) recalcitrant to sinus surgery and conventional medical therapies. Chemical surfactants can act as a mucolytic by reducing water surface tension and have the potential to serve as an antimicrobial agent. Baby shampoo is an inexpensive, commercially available solution containing multiple chemical surfactants. This is an in vitro study of its antimicrobial effects on Pseudomonas biofilms with translation to a clinical study for use as an adjuvant nasal wash in patients with CRS who remain symptomatic despite adequate sinus surgery and conventional medical therapies. In vitro testing was performed to determine the optimal concentration of baby shampoo that disrupted preformed bacterial biofilms and inhibited biofilm formation. This concentration was then used in a prospective study of symptomatic post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) patients who irrigated twice a day for 4 weeks. Validated outcome forms and objective smell testing was performed before and after therapy. One percent baby shampoo in normal saline was the optimal concentration for inhibition of Pseudomonas biofilm formation. Baby shampoo had no effect on the eradication of preformed Pseudomonas biofilms. Eighteen patients with CRS with an average of 2.8 surgeries were studied after irrigating with 1% baby shampoo solution. Two patients discontinued use because of minor nasal and skin irritations; 46.6% of patients experienced an overall improvement in their subjective symptoms, and 60% of patients noted improvement in specific symptoms of thickened mucus and postnasal drainage. Baby shampoo nasal irrigation has promise as an inexpensive, tolerable adjuvant to conventional medical therapies for symptomatic patients after FESS. Its greatest benefit may be in improving symptoms of thickened nasal discharge and postnasal drainage.

Pre and post functional endoscopic sinus surgery nasal cavity volume assessment by acoustic rhinometry

SummaryAcoustic rhinometry is an objective method to determine nasal cavity geometry. The technique is based on sound wave reflexion analysis in the nasal cavity, and determines crossectional areas as a function of distance as well as volume.AimThe purpose of this study is to analyse nasal cavity volume changes caused by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in adults with chronic rhinosinusitis by acoustic rhinometry, and to correlate these changes with improvements in the sensation of nasal obstruction.Material and MethodForty patients aged from 18 to 73 years were prospectively evaluated between August and October 1999 at the Graz University Hospital, Austria. All patients were diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis, and undertook acoustic rhinometry before and after FESS.Scientific designA clinical prospective study.ResultsThe nasal cavity total volume increased significantly after surgery. Nasal obstruction was improved in 88% of the patients, 20% with partial improvement and 68% with total improvement. There was no correlation between volume increase and improvement of the sensation of nasal obstruction.ConclusionTotal nasal cavity volume significantly increased after surgery; however, there was no correlation between volume increase and improvements of nasal obstruction. No significant pre or postoperative increase in total nasal cavity volume after decongestion were observed.

A comparative study between ciliary count and the degree of opacity of paranasal sinus CT scans in chronic sinusitis pre and post FESS

To investigate the relationship between the extent of sinus disease in chronic sinusitis as detected radiologically by computed tomography (CT) scan and the population of cilia (ciliary area) both before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). In a simple way this is a trial to statistically prove that the CT scan could be a valid indicator and a mirror of the histological status of the sinus mucosa. Twenty adult patients were enrolled in this study. Radiological extension of the sinus disease was quantitated using the classification proposed by Kennedy in 1992 and the ciliary population was studied using scanning electron microscopy and image analysis softwares. The more advanced the sinusitis, as evidenced by CT scans, the more the expected reduction in the ciliary area (CA) and in the ciliary count. But after FESS the degree of ciliary regeneration does not depend statistically on the radiological condition of the sinuses and the degree of opacity prior to intervention, i.e. a statistically valid inverse relationship exists between the radiological stage of sinusitis and the ciliary population pre-operatively but the same relation does not extend to the ciliary population post-operatively.

Long-Term Quality of Life Measures after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease that has a significant impact on quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the longer-term effects of combined medical and surgical therapy for CRS on overall health status and QOL. We used a prospective study that utilized the Short-Form 36 Survey at baseline presentation and at a mean time of 3 years post-functional endoscopic sinus surgery to assess the general health status of patients who presented for their initial visitfrom 1996 to 1998. Of the 200 randomly selected patients, 150 respondents completed follow-up surveys (a 75% response rate). Eighty-nine (59.3%) women and 61 (40.7%) men were included in the study. Baseline QOL scores indicated significant differences between patients with CRS and published norms in 6/8 subscale parameters (role physical, bodily pain, general health, social function, vitality, and mental health). Significant improvement in all six categories was maintained at the end of the study period (p < 0.05) with QOL scores within limits of published norms for the general population. Our data indicate that functional endoscopic sinus surgery, combined with appropriate postoperative care, is effective at maintaining a significant improvement in the overall general health status of patients for at least 3 years after surgical intervention and that the overall scores return to a range of normative values for the general population.