Functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Summary The Messerklinger technique is a primarily diagnostic endoscopic concept demonstrating that the frontal and the maxillary sinuses are subordinate cavities. Disease usually starts in the nose and spreads through the ethmoidal prechambers to the frontal and maxillary sinuses, with infections of these latter sinuses thus usually being of secondary nature. Standard rhinoscopy and sinus X-rays are frequently not sufficient to demonstrate the underlying causes for chronic or recurring acute sinusitis in the clefts of the anterior ethmoidal sinuses. The combination of diagnostic endoscopy of the lateral nasal wall with conventional or computed tomography in the coronal plane has proven to be the ideal method for the examination of inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses. In so doing, diseases and lesions that other-wise might have gone undiagnosed can be identified and consequently treated. Based on this diagnostic approach, an endoscopic surgical concept was developed, aiming for the underlying causes of sinus diseases instead of the secondarily involved larger sinuses. With usually very limited surgical procedures, diseased ethmoid compartments are operated on, stenotic clefts widened and prechambers to the frontal and maxillary sinuses freed from disease. In our experience, there is rarely a need for major manipulations inside the larger sinuses per se. Based on exact diagnosis, the surgical technique used allows a very individualized staging according to the prevailing pathology. In the extreme, a total sphenoethmoidectomy can be performed with this technique, although the true advantage of the technique is that even in cases of massive disease such radical procedures can be avoided. By reestablishing sinus ventilation and drainage via the natural ostia, there is also no need for fenestration of the inferior meatus. The Messerklinger technique can be applied to a wide spectrum of indications, apart from nasal polyposis. The technique has its clear limits as well as its specific problems. Adequate training and experience are required for the surgical approach, as the technique bears all the risks and hazards of all kinds of endonasal ethmoid surgery but has a minimal complication rate in the hands of an experienced surgeon. Results and complications of a series of more than 4500 patients over a period of over 10 years are presented and discussed in detail.Dedicated to Professor W. Messerklinger on the occasion of his 70th birthdayoffprint requests to: H. Stammberger     

Functional endoscopic ethmoid bone revision in inflammatory paranasal sinus diseases in childhood]

A total of 57 children aged between 5 and 15 years underwent endoscopic ethmoid surgery for recurrent acute or chronic rhinogenic sinusitis, chronic sinusitis associated with bronchial asthma or chronic bronchitis, early rhinogenous orbital complications and paranasal sinus disease associated with mucoviscidosis. The indications for surgical intervention are based on symptoms, the findings on nasal endoscopy and a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses in the coronal plane. The preoperative examination shows that in childhood there are endoscopically detectable anatomical variations of the ethmoid bone (pneumatised middle nasal concha, reversed curvature of the middle turbinate and contact between the uncinate process and the turbinate) that create the conditions for the development of inflammatory paranasal sinus diseases. Careful elimination of these obstructions can accomplish complete cure of the inflammation, and early orbital complications can be treated effectively by combination of surgery with infusion of antibiotics. All surgery was performed under endotracheal anaesthesia using the endoscopic technique described by Messerklinger. The follow-up period was between 6 and 18 months. With the exception of children suffering from mucoviscidosis, cure of the paranasal sinus disease and rhinomanometrically demonstrable improvement of the nasal breathing was achieved in all cases. On the basis of our results a conservative endoscopic approach is recommended as an effective surgical method for the treatment of paranasal sinus disease in childhood.     

From ethmoidal air cells to ethmoturbinal passages

The concept of ethmoidal sinuses composed of ethmoidal air cells does not appear to fit with the embryological origin of the ethmoid. Post-natal formation of the paranasal sinuses, as visualized by MRI, appears to be fundamentally different from the embryological development of the ethmoid sinus. These two organs also appear to have very distinct functions: paranasal sinuses play a role in respiration and sanitization of the respiratory tract, while the ethmoid sinus plays a role in olfaction. However, human acquisition of bipedalism resulted in ethmoidal compartmentalization into olfactory clefts lined by olfactory mucosa and the ethmoidal labyrinth formed by a meshwork of ethmoturbinals that have lost their olfactory mucosa. Ethmoturbinals are septa that increase the surface area of olfactory mucosa in mammalian olfactory chambers. Embryological development of the human ethmoid sinus can be seen as the result of curved stacking of ethmoturbinal septa forming passages. Surgically, these passages can be accessed via the middle, superior and supreme meati. An ethmoidectomy technique following the ethmoturbinal passages can therefore be described. This structure of the ethmoidal labyrinth is both useful and necessary for the teaching of ethmoidal surgery.     

Unilateral pathological lesions of paranasal sinuses removed by endoscopic surgery

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and nature of unilateral pathological lesions of paranasal sinuses in patients who had endoscopic sinus surgery performed in ENT. Materials and methods: In the years 2006–2011 endoscopic sinus surgery for unilateral pathological lesions of paranasal sinuses was performed in 1847 patients (838 women and 1009 men). The enrollment of patients was based on the findings of otolaryngological clinical and subjective examinations, assessment of the paranasal sinuses on three-dimensional CT scans, and laboratory examinations. Based on the analysis of medical history data, including gender, age, the type of surgical procedure performed, and histopathological findings the cases were finally analyzed.

Results

Pathological lesions of the paranasal sinuses were localized on the left side in 132 (57%) patients, and on the right side in 100 (43%) patients. Of the 232 patients with unilateral pathological changes, 41.8% subjects underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for polypotic changes in the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses; 28.4% for the maxillary sinus; 10.8% for the ethmoid, maxillary and frontal sinuses; and 8.6% patients for all paranasal sinuses on one side. The number of operations of only one sinus was considerably lower: sphenoid sinus, 4.7%; ethmoid sinus, 2.2%; and frontal sinus, 1.7% patients. The histopathological analysis of unilateral pathological lesions removed by endoscopic surgery showed chronic paranasal sinusitis with polyps in 56.5% patients; chronic paranasal sinusitis in 22.8% patients; and maxillary sinus cyst was confirmed in 11.6% patients. In 5.1% patients inverted papilloma was diagnosed and in 2.2% patients the presence of osteoma was found.

Conclusions

Unilateral paranasal pathological lesions, leaving aside rather typical maxillary sinus cysts, require a particularly thorough pre-operative diagnosis and a precise histopathological assessment.     

A stereological study on the correlation of inferior turbinate hypertrophy and paranasal sinus disease

The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between inferior turbinate size and paranasal sinus opacification on computerized tomography (CT) scans. Paranasal sinus CT scans of a total of 185 patients (92 males, 93 females) were examined in terms of sinus opacification. Sizes of the inferior turbinates were measured using stereological method and these sizes in normal and opacified paranasal sinuses are compared using one-way analysis of variance. Scans of 185 patients (93 female, 92 male) aged between 12 and 84 (mean 37.85 ± 16.27) years were examined in this study. Sizes of the inferior turbinates were found to be increased significantly in case of opacification of ipsilateral maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses (p = 0.000 and p = 0.4, respectively) on both sides. On the other hand, such a relationship could not be demonstrated for sizes of inferior turbinates with opacified or non-opacified posterior ethmoid, frontal and sphenoid sinuses. In conclusion, the combination of CT and the Cavalieri principle can provide an unbiased, direct, and assumption-free estimate of the regions of interest. The presented method can be efficiently applied without any need for special software, additional equipment, or personnel than that required for routine CT in daily use. Paranasal sinus disease, especially the inflammatory diseases of maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses, must be carefully investigated in cases with inferior turbinate hypertrophy.     

High-field magnetic resonance imaging of paranasal sinus inflammatory disease

Magnetic resonance imaging using a 1.5 tesla magnet and a spin echo technique has revealed a remarkably intense signal from abnormal tissue in the human paranasal sinuses. Inflammatory disease in the maxillary, sphenoid, ethmoid, and frontal sinuses has been detected and demonstrated with greater clarity than any other available technique. The pathophysiologic basis for the intense signal has not been defined. These observations do, however, provide an opportunity to discover, clarify, and study paranasal sinus disease. Acute upper respiratory disease, allergic episodes, and the effect of drug treatment based on the MR signal and pathology can now be investigated with this technique. In addition, this may form a basis for assessing the epidemiology of paranasal sinus pathology.     

Synovial sarcoma of the ethmoid sinus

IntroductionSynovial sarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumour typically occurring in the extremities. Its occurrence in the head and neck region, particularly in the paranasal sinuses is extremely rare.Case reportHere, we report a case of primary synovial sarcoma of the ethmoid sinus in a 36-year-old female and review the literature of synovial sarcomas arising from the ethmoid sinus. Histopathology was essential in confirming the diagnosis. The patient underwent endoscopic excision of the tumour followed by postoperative radiotherapy.DiscussionAs per our knowledge, only 2 cases of ethmoid sinus synovial sarcoma have been reported in the English literature till date. Although synovial sarcomas rarely involve the paranasal sinuses, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of paranasal sinus tumours. The accepted treatment modality is wide local excision followed by post operative radiotherapy.     

Survey anatomy of the paranasal sinuses in the normal mouse

OBJECTIVE: To provide researchers with a survey atlas of normal paranasal sinus anatomy in the mouse as well as to standardize the reporting of data within the murine nose and sinuses. STUDY DESIGN: Histologic and radiographic study in mice. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were killed and their heads sectioned in the axial and coronal planes as well as imaged using a small animal micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner. Distinctive regions within the nose and paranasal sinuses were delineated and labeled A to G for identification. RESULTS: Definable regions within the normal murine nose and paranasal sinuses include A) the nasal airway, B) the superior nasal vault, C) the osteomeatal complex, D) the anterior ethmoid sinuses, E) the posterior ethmoid sinuses, F) the true maxillary sinus, and G) the secondary maxillary sinus. Mice also possess discernible sphenoid sinuses. CT scans confirmed the histologic plane of section. CONCLUSIONS: A survey atlas of normal murine sinonasal anatomy shall provide laboratories seeking to use mice in sinus research a reference for beginning their work. As new transgenic and gene knockout mice become available, phenotypic changes in sinonasal architecture can be more easily discerned using such a reference. Defining specific regions (A-G) within the sinuses will standardize the nomenclature used for reporting data.     

Updating nasalisation: From concept to technique and results

Nasalisation is a surgical technique proposed for the treatment of nasal polyposis in 1995. The technique as initially described was based on large opening of the maxillary, sphenoidal and frontal ostia and resection of the middle turbinates, with the aim of resecting the mucosa of the lateral masses of the ethmoid as completely and safely as possible. Recent findings on the evolution and development of the nose and sinuses and sinus physiology allow both the concept and the technique of nasalisation to be updated. According to evo-devo theory, the ethmoid is not a paranasal sinus but the skull-base bone housing the olfactory mucosa. In humans, the olfactory mucosa can be distinguished as functional in the upper recess of both olfactory clefts and vestigial in the rest of the ethmoid bone. Nasal polyposis presents clinically as a specific disease of the vestigial olfactory mucosa of the human ethmoid (and not as a particular kind of chronic rhinosinusitis). The aim of surgery for nasal polyposis is thus maximal resection of the vestigial olfactory mucosa, conserving olfactory function as long as possible. By the production, storage and bolus release of nitric oxide thanks to the sphincter function of the paranasal (maxillary, sphenoidal and frontal) sinus ostia, the paranasal sinuses perform a respiratory function that should be conserved as much as possible. The nasalisation technique has been modified in order for the vestigial olfactory mucosa to be completely resected while sparing the sinus ostia. Middle turbinate surgery still needs to be evaluated: resection is a step toward maximal removal of vestigial olfactory mucosa, while conservation could ensure olfactory cleft integrity. Thus, updating the concept of nasalisation enables the nasalisation technique to be integrated in the evo-devo concept of rhinology.     

Hemangioma of a posterior ethmoid sinus: Report of a rare case

Very few cases of hemangioma of the ethmoid sinuses have been reported in the literature. These lesions can be difficult to diagnose in the paranasal sinuses because obtaining an adequate biopsy specimen can be dangerous in view of the potential for profuse bleeding. We report a case of a cavernous hemangioma in the right posterior ethmoid sinus of a 45-year-old man. The mass was excised in its entirety.     

Bony abnormalities of the paranasal sinuses in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis

Wegener's granulomatosis is a systemic vasculitis that can affect any organ system, but primarily involves the upper and lower respiratory tracts and the kidneys. Chronic sinusitis is a well-known clinical feature of the disease. Mucosal abnormalities of the nose and paranasal sinuses have been well-characterized and range from granulomatous lesions to diffuse mucosal thickening. In contrast, abnormalities of the underlying bone of the paranasal sinuses in this disease have not been well-described, and reports have been limited. To characterize bony abnormalities of the nose and paranasal sinuses in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, we performed a retrospective review of all patients with Wegener's granulomatosis who underwent a sinus CT scan at our institution between 1989 and 1999. Nine patients were identified. A total of 22 distinct bony abnormalities were identified in 5 patients. Specific bony findings included bony erosion and destruction of the septum and turbinates; erosion of the ethmoid sinuses; neo-osteogenesis of the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses; and complete bony obliteration of the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses. Although these findings are suggestive of Wegener's granulomatosis, they are not pathognomonic. Bony changes on sinus CT scan may provide radiologic evidence of underlying Wegener's granulomatosis when clinical suspicion is high.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses: incidental abnormalities and their relationship to patient symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to demonstrate a wide range of abnormalities in the paranasal sinuses, which are often reported as incidental findings on scans performed for indications other than the evaluation of paranasal sinus pathology. However, the clinical significance of these findings remains undefined. We present a prospective study that determines the prevalence of abnormalities in the paranasal sinuses in a population undergoing MRI scans for suspected intracranial disease. These findings are correlated with clinical data pertaining to nasal and sinus symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Patients undergoing MRI scans for suspected intracranial pathology were asked to complete a questionnaire pertaining to symptoms of nasal/sinus pathology. The T2-weighted scans of 86 patients (mean age = 51 years) were then reviewed for evidence of paranasal sinus pathology using a standardized method for evaluation and reporting of results. These results were then correlated with those obtained from the patient questionnaire. RESULTS: Radiologic abnormalities were found in the paranasal sinuses of 33 (38%) patients. Abnormalities were most commonly seen in the ethmoid sinuses (44.8%) followed by the maxillary (38%), sphenoid (14%), and frontal (3%) sinuses. Analysis of the clinical data revealed no significant relationship between the presence of clinical symptoms of nasal and sinus pathology and abnormalities on MRI scan. CONCLUSION: The assessment of inflammatory sinus pathology remains controversial. Based on the results of this study, incidental abnormalities of the paranasal sinuses detected on MRI scan do not appear to be related to clinical symptoms.     

Endoscopic management of osteomas of the paranasal sinuses--own experience

Osteomas are relatively common, benign, slow-growing, often asymptomatic neoplasms of the paranasal sinuses, occurring mainly in frontal and ethmoid sinuses. Surgical removal is done if they extend beyond the boundaries of the sinus, keep enlarging, are localised in the region adjacent to the nasofrontal duct, or if signs of chronic sinusitis are present and, irrespective of their size, in symptomatic tumours. Progressive headaches and chronic inflammation of the adjacent mucous membrane are most common symptoms. Endoscopic surgery plays an important role in management of ethmoid, sphenoid and frontal osteomas. Aim. The aim of the paper was to report own experience in endoscopic treatment of patients with osteomas of the paranasal sinuses. Material and methods. 6 patients with osteomas of paranasal sinuses were included in the group, mean age 36 years (range 15-52). Most common involvement was ethmoid cells (3). There were also patients with frontal, maxillary and sphenoid osteoma. All tumours were removed under endoscopic giudance. Frontoethmoidectomy was performed to remove ethmoid and frontal osteomas. Antrotomy was used in case of maxillary involvement and sphenoethmoidectomy in the patient with sphenoid sinus osteoma. Sphenoid sinus was approached through its anterior wall with a Stammberger punch. All the tumours were removed using fine forceps. Results. No post-operative complications were observed. No recurrences were noted. All patients remain asymptomatic. Conclusions. Resection of small and medium size osteomas of the paranasal sinuses can be safely and radically performed using endoscopic techniques. It allows their radical resection and very good cosmetic effects.     

Hemangioma of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses: two case reports

Hemangiomas of the paranasal sinuses are rare, particularly those of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses. Although imaging of the sinuses is key to determining the extent of involvement, the diagnosis is based on the lesion's histologic appearance. Obtaining an adequate biopsy can be difficult in light of the risk of bleeding and the relative inaccessibility of lesions in this region. These obstacles can make the diagnosis and management of these lesions particularly challenging. We describe two new cases of sinonasal hemangioma--one in the ethmoid sinus and one in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses--and we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that are needed to manage these lesions.     

Study of ethmoid sinus involvement in multibacillary leprosy

The nasal mucosal involvement in lepromatous leprosy is well recognized. Currently interest has centred around the involvement of paranasal sinuses in leprosy. They act as a reservoir and constant source of reinfection to the nasal mucosa. In the present prospective study 25 untreated patients with multi-bacillary leprosy were included. Clinical examination, computed tomography (CT) scan of paranasal sinuses, ethmoid sinus endoscopy and biopsy were carried out in all patients, to investigate the involvement of the paranasal sinuses in leprosy. Ethmoid sinus involvement was noted in 20 patients on CT scan. Bilateral involvement was more common (65 per cent). Anterior ethmoids were more commonly affected (65 per cent). On ethmoid sinus endoscopy abnormal mucosa was noted in 17 patients (68 per cent). Ethmoid sinus biopsy was confirmative in 16 patients (64 per cent). Statistically significant correlation was found between CT findings, sinus endoscopy and sinus biopsy findings.     

Primary chordoma of the ethmoid sinus

Primary chordoma of the paranasal sinuses are extremely rare tumours, with only a small number of cases verified and published in the literature. It appears that only five of these cases involved the ethmoid sinuses either as a primary or by local invasion, and of these documented cases only one other has been found to solely involve the ethmoid sinus. We present a case of primary ethmoid sinus chordoma treated by wide local surgical excision and present a review of the literature with regard to prevalence and treatment rationale.     

Correlation of middle meatus and ethmoid sinus microbiology in patients with chronic sinusitis

Empirical antibiotics constitute the cornerstone of medical therapy for chronic sinusitis due to difficulties of obtaining cultures from the paranasal sinuses. Indirect isolation of the pathogenic microorganisms outside the paranasal sinuses with a non-invasive method may enable administration of specific antibiotics. In this prospective study, we obtained cultures from the middle meatus and ethmoid sinuses of 193 sides from 127 patients who had undergone FESS for chronic sinusitis with a method that minimizes the risk of nasal contamination. The same bacterial species were isolated from both the ethmoid sinus and middle meatus in 59.3% of the cultures. There was no bacterial growth in either site in 32.3% of the cultures. The overall correlation rate of middle meatus and ethmoid sinus cultures was estimated to be 91.6%. In conclusion, middle meatal cultures can be used for the isolation of pathogenic microorganisms indirectly, while administration of specific antibiotics can be possible according to the results of these cultures.     

Preoperative CT scanning for endoscopic sinus surgery: a rational approach.

Recent research on inflammatory sinus disease has implicated a central role for the ethmoid labyrinth, which may influence changes in the maxillary and frontal sinuses. CT can provide excellent definition of the paranasal sinuses and particularly the ethmoids, which is a prerequisite for endoscopic surgery. We describe a prospective series of 110 coronal CT scans performed on patients with a clinical diagnosis of sinusitis who had undergone diagnostic nasal endoscopies and medical treatment prior to surgery. 86% of the scans showed abnormal mucosal thickening. The ethmoids were affected in 73% and the maxillary sinus in 64%. Pneumatization of the middle turbinate was a common variant and when present was associated with anterior ethmoid disease in 60% of patients. Anterior ethmoid inflammatory changes were demonstrable in 95% of patients with maxillary sinus disease. Direct coronal CT can readily demonstrate disease in the infundibulum, frontal recess and posterior ethmoids in the same orientation confronting the endoscopist, and helps in the planning of ethmoidal surgery. Following surgery the sinuses can be directly inspected in outpatients which reduces the need for any further plain radiographs. It is important that the diagnosis of sinusitis is not based on CT findings alone as isolated areas of mucosal thickening are common in the normal population.     

Preoperative CT scanning for endoscopic sinus surgery: a rational approach

Recent research on inflammatory sinus disease has implicated a central role for the ethmoid labyrinth, which may influence changes in the maxillary and frontal sinuses. CT can provide excellent definition of the paranasal sinuses and particularly the ethmoids, which is a prerequisite for endoscopic surgery. We describe a prospective series of 110 coronal CT scans performed on patients with a clinical diagnosis of sinusitis who had undergone diagnostic nasal endoscopies and medical treatment prior to surgery. 86% of the scans showed abnormal mucosal thickening. The ethmoids were affected in 73% and the maxillary sinus in 64%. Pneumatization of the middle turbinate was a common variant and when present was associated with anterior ethmoid disease in 60% of patients. Anterior ethmoid inflammatory changes were demonstrable in 95% of patients with maxillary sinus disease. Direct coronal CT can readily demonstrate disease in the infundibulum, frontal recess and posterior ethmoids in the same orientation confronting the endoscopist, and helps in the planning of ethmoidal surgery. Following surgery the sinuses can be directly inspected in outpatients which reduces the need for any further plain radiographs. It is important that the diagnosis of sinusitis is not based on CT findings alone as isolated areas of mucosal thickening are common in the normal population.     

Meningiomas of the paranasal sinuses

Extracranial meningiomas are rare tumors, comprising approximately 2% of all meningiomas. Previously reported sites include the orbit, parapharyngeal space, and rarely, the paranasal sinuses. A retrospective chart review of patients with meningiomas was performed over the last 25 years, and three patients were identified with meningiomas involving the paranasal sinuses. The locations included the frontal sinus, the ethmoid sinus, and the sphenoid sinus. Presenting symptoms included facial pain and nasal obstruction; two patients noted facial swelling. Diagnosis was established via endoscopic transnasal biopsy in two patients. Computed tomographic (CT) guided biopsy was utilized to confirm the diagnosis in the third patient. Surgical extirpation was successfully performed with tumors arising from the ethmoid and frontal sinuses. The patient with neoplasm in the sphenoid sinus underwent radiation therapy. Extracranial meningiomas of the paranasal sinuses are rare tumors that may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present three cases and discuss the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options.