COMPLICATIONS OF THE CALDWELL-LUC OPERATION AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

The complications of the Caldwell-Luc operation were retrospectively studied in 1990. The case records were analysed and updated information from telephone interviews and posted questionnaires were available for most patients. One hundred and eighty-five patients with 216 procedures with a mean postoperative follow-up period of 33.5 months were studied. The commonest indication for the operation was for chronic sinusitis. There were three common complications found: facial swelling (61.9%), pain and/or numbness of the face (46.0%) and pain and/or numbness of the teeth/gums (30.9%). Rare complications are postoperative epistaxis (0.4%), oroantral fistulae (0.4%), epiphora (0.4%) and dental discoloration (0.4%). This paper discusses the pathophysiology of these complications and surgical techniques on how to avoid them. Although the use of the Caldwell-Luc operation has declined in recent years with the development of endoscopic sinus surgery, it still has occasional indications and a set of practical guidelines on how to prevent complications would be useful. The basis for treating chronic sinusitis with functional endoscopic sinus surgery at the expense of the more traditional form of treatment is also discussed.     

Frontal skull base surgery combined with endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND: Postoperative infection remains a serious complication after radical resection of anterior skull base lesions because intracranial, nasal, and paranasal cavities are opened during surgery. To prevent complications from postoperative infection, we combined endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with the frontal transbasal approach in patients with skull base lesions. METHODS: Patients (n = 16) with anterior skull base lesions extending to the paranasal or nasal cavity underwent surgical resection via the frontal transbasal approach. After removal of the lesion via the transcranial approach, enlargement of the ostium or sinusotomy was performed bilaterally using our endonasal ESS procedure. The main purpose of ESS is the establishment of a wide drainage route to avoid dead space and postoperative infection. Furthermore, we confirmed the absence of residual lesion and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), endoscopically. RESULTS: The frontal transbasal approach combined with endonasal ESS was performed in 16 patients with frontal skull base lesions. There were 8 malignant tumors, 6 benign tumors, and 2 mucoceles. Although 11 patients had preoperative active paranasal sinusitis, most frequently at the ethmoid sinus, none experienced postoperative infection. There was no complication related to ESS procedure. Furthermore, leakage of CSF and extracranial residual tumor were not found. CONCLUSION: Endonasal ESS after frontal skull base surgery is a highly useful technique for preventing postoperative infection, especially for the cases with large skull base tumors extending into other regions involving the paranasal sinuses or nasal cavity and with active paranasal sinusitis.     

Tailored endoscopic surgery for the treatment of sinonasal inverted papilloma

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of tailored endoscopic surgery. Tailored endoscopic surgery aims at resecting the inverted papilloma completely with a customized surgical approach, especially when an en-bloc excision cannot be comprehensively or routinely achieved because of the immense extent of the tumor. METHODS: Between November 1991 and March 2002, 43 patients with sinonasal inverted papillomas were treated by tailored endoscopic surgery. The average duration of follow-up for this population was 25.3 months (range, 9-150 months). A staging system developed by Krouse was adopted for tumor grading. On the basis of tailored endoscopic surgery, 15 localized lesions and 12 smaller extensive lesions (Krouse stages 1 and 2) were treated by ordinary endoscopic resection, whereas 16 larger extensive lesions (Krouse stages 3 and 4) in which the tumors were immense were subjected to sequential segmental endoscopic surgery (SSES). Seven of these 16 larger extensive lesions combined with endoscopic medial maxillectomy because of extensive encroachment of maxillary sinus antrum. RESULTS: Four patients (9.3%) had residual disease, each requiring one revision surgery. All tumors were successfully resected. No patient required lateral rhinotomy or midfacial degloving procedure. No major complications were encountered in any of the patients. None of the patients had residual disease at the time of this writing. CONCLUSIONS: Tailored endoscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment that obviates the need for more extensive surgery for the management of inverted papilloma. Proper preoperative evaluations, intraoperative determination of extent and attachment of the tumor, close endoscopic follow-up, and expert application of endoscopic techniques are the keys to the successful use of tailored endoscopic surgery.     

鼻内镜下上颌窦口处理方法的探讨

目的研究鼻内镜手术上颌窦自然开口不同的方法处理,对术后窦口开放及纤毛功能的影响。方法采用自身配对300例双侧上颌窦病变相近,术中见双上颌窦均有病变的Ⅰ、Ⅱ型慢性鼻窦炎、鼻息肉患者进行研究。对比一侧上颌窦自然口开放时制作寞口区窦内侧壁黏膜瓣,将其内翻铺入中鼻道,另一侧常规开放扩大上颌窦口,术后观察不同时期窦口开放及纤毛功能情况。结果术后6个月发现术中制作瓣的一侧窦门开放率为96％,无闭锁发生,纤毛清除功能较对侧明显好。结论鼻内镜术中,对有病变的上颌窦口制作瓣,不仅有防止术后窦口闭锁,亦有利于窦内黏膜纤毛功能的保留。     

Small and large middle meatus antrostomies in the treatment of chronic maxillary sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: The study goal was to compare the postoperative endoscopic appearance of the middle meatus antrostomy with symptomatic relief in patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal sinus surgery for chronic maxillary sinusitis. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective randomized study encompassing 133 patients with chronic rhinogenic maxillary sinusitis who underwent endoscopic ethmoid surgery and middle meatal antrostomies. One of the tasks was to compare small-sized (less than 6 mm) antrostomies with large-sized (more than 16 mm) antrostomies in relieving the symptoms of chronic maxillary sinusitis. During follow-up an attempt was made to correlate endoscopic findings with symptomatic failure. RESULTS: We could not demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between the degree of improvement of the main sinusitis symptoms (obstruction, headache, and nasal discharge) and the postoperative size of the antrostomy. Nevertheless, persistent accessory maxillary ostia, scarring within the ethmoid were statistically significant predictors of poor surgical outcome. CONCLUSION: We conclude from this study that the size of the middle meatal antrostomy has no influence on the outcome of endonasal surgery for chronic rhinogenic maxillary sinusitis.     

内镜下大隐静脉交通支离断术术后并发症防治

目的探讨内镜下大隐静脉交通支离断术术后并发症的防治方法。方法回顾分析我院2002年1月至2005年12月收治下肢慢性静脉功能不全患者136例临床资料,共172条肢体均行内镜下大隐静脉交通支离断术(subfascialendoscopicperforatorsurgery,SEPS),155条肢体随访,随访率90.1%,随访时间1~36个月。结果SEPS术后出现筋膜下出血12条肢体(7.1%),皮下气肿18条肢体(10.5%),小腿前内侧及足踝区感觉麻木33条肢体(19.2%)。结论术前下肢静脉造影及结合Pratt试验定位交通支,术中膝关节上上止血带,术后应用弹力绷带能较好预防SEPS术后筋膜下出血及皮下气肿的发生。     

A targeted endoscopic approach to chronic isolated frontal sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic isolated frontal sinusitis occurs infrequently. In this condition, most of the ethmoid cells are well aerated and the frontal sinus is involved secondary to anatomical obstruction or inflammatory changes confined to the frontal recess. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a targeted endoscopic technique where standard anterior ethmoidectomy is unnecessary in the treatment of chronic isolated frontal sinusitis. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: This retrospective study was conducted in a large university-affiliated hospital and included 11 patients with chronic isolated frontal sinusitis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery limited to the frontal sinus outflow. The ethmoid bulla was untouched in all cases. Follow-up continued for 19 to 40 months (mean 28.6 months). RESULTS: Frontal sinus outflow patency was verified in 9 patients (81.8%). Nine patients, including one with an apparent nonpatent frontal ostium, reported improvement. Two patients-one of whom had a patent frontal ostium-reported no improvement. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Chronic isolated frontal sinusitis can be effectively treated in selected cases by a targeted endoscopic procedure, limited to reestablishment of frontal sinus outflow. EBM rating: C-4.     

鼻内镜手术治疗慢性鼻窦炎后症状无缓解的处理与相关因素分析

目的探讨慢性鼻窦炎鼻内镜手术后症状无缓解的相关因素及治疗策略。方法回顾性分析我科2007年7月~2014年5月收治的179例已接受鼻内镜手术治疗但临床症状无缓解的患者的临床资料,分析其无缓解的原因及治疗策略。结果所有无缓解病例均行修正性鼻内镜手术,治愈159例,有效20例。经多因素分析,慢性鼻窦炎发病原因、医生的学历、职称、鼻内合并症、术中和术后情况是影响慢性鼻窦炎鼻内镜手术后症状无缓解的相关因素。结论手术技巧不熟练,解剖知识欠缺,鼻窦炎发生的原因、鼻内合并症、术中和术后情况是导致慢性鼻窦炎鼻内镜手术失败的根本原因。     

Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Approaches: Case Series and Outcomes for Different Clival Regions

Objective Transclival endoscopic endonasal approaches to the skull base are novel with few published cases. We report our institution''s experience with this technique and discuss outcomes according to the clival region involved. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary care academic medical center Participants All patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transclival approaches for skull base lesions from 2008 to 2012. Main Outcome Measures Pathologies encountered, mean intraoperative time, intraoperative complications, gross total resection, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, postoperative CSF leak, postoperative complications, and postoperative clinical course. Results A total of 49 patients underwent 55 endoscopic endonasal transclival approaches. Pathology included 43 benign and 12 malignant lesions. Mean follow-up was 15.4 months. Mean operative time was 167.9 minutes, with one patient experiencing an intraoperative internal carotid artery injury. Of the 15 cases with intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, 1 developed postoperative CSF leak (6.7%). There were six other postoperative complications: four systemic complications, one case of meningitis, and one retropharyngeal abscess. Gross total resection was achieved for all malignancies approached with curative intent. Conclusions This study provides evidence that endoscopic endonasal transclival approaches are a safe and effective strategy for the surgical management of a variety of benign and malignant lesions. Level of Evidence 4.     

Outcome predictors for endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The outcomes management of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a major effort to improve the quality of chronic sinusitis treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that may predict a variety of outcomes of ESS. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Two hundred and thirty consecutive patients who underwent ESS were prospectively evaluated by computerized axial tomography scan of the sinus and a validated chronic sinusitis survey (CSS) before surgery. The effects of prognostic factors were then investigated. RESULTS: Extent of disease was a consistent predictor (P < 0.05) for bleeding, complication occurrence, medical resource utilization, subjective sinus-specific health status, and physicians' objective evaluation of surgical outcomes. The preoperative CSS total score and extent of disease significantly (P < 0.05) predicted the postoperative CSS total score. Subjective and objective outcomes were significantly correlated (r = 0.58, P = 0.0001). These findings suggested the necessity of disease severity stratification when reporting ESS outcomes. CONCLUSION: Operation-related events, medical resource utilization, physician evaluation, and sinus-specific health status of patients are all integral parts of reporting outcomes of ESS. We have concluded that computerized axial tomography scan of the sinuses and CSS are efficient ways of providing reliable baseline information before ESS.     

Endoscopic transcranial and intracranial resection: case series and design of a perioperative management protocol

Purely endoscopic resections of transcranial/intracranial pathology represent an exciting minimally invasive option for some patients. There is an abundance of literature on surgical techniques, though very little deals with perioperative management, which is critical for good outcomes. We present a detailed case review and a perioperative management protocol with specific reference to skull base and neuroanatomy. We performed a retrospective chart review and analysis of outcomes and complications by approach and design and prospective employment of a perioperative management protocol in a major tertiary care referral hospital. We included patients undergoing endoscopic skull base approaches by the two senior surgeons from September 2005 to April 2009, selecting of transcranial/intracranial cases for detailed review. Our main outcome measures included perioperative morbidity, mortality, and complications; degree of resection; recurrence rate; and survival. Fifteen patients met study criteria. No perioperative mortality occurred. There were two major and four minor complications. Mean follow-up was 15 months; 11/13 patients with malignancies had no evidence of disease. A perioperative management protocol was designed from these data and has resulted in decreased lumbar drainage and increased fluid/electrolyte monitoring. Endoscopic transcranial/intracranial anterior skull base surgery is both safe and effective when a complete understanding of the surgery and perioperative management is achieved.     

Use of nebulized antibiotics for acute infections in chronic sinusitis

OBJECTIVE: Infections in patients with chronic sinusitis after surgery can be difficult to treat. Nebulized antimicrobial therapy was studied as a treatment option. Study Design: Patients with chronic sinusitis, previous sinus surgery, and an acute infection were offered nebulized antibiotics or standard therapy. Cultures were taken and sensitivity testing was performed. Retrospective chart reviews were also performed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included. The most common side effects were sore throat and cough. Symptomatic and endoscopic data before and after nebulized therapy showed a longer infection-free period (average, 17 weeks) compared with standard therapy (average, 6 weeks). Improvements in posterior nasal discharge, facial pain/pressure, and emotional consequences were noted. CONCLUSION: Nebulized therapy was safe and effective in this cohort. Endoscopy and outcome measure changes showed consistent improvements. SIGNIFICANCE: A novel therapy for acute sinus infections in patients with chronic sinusitis and previous endoscopic sinus surgery is presented.     

鼻内镜辅助下上颌窦根治术治疗真菌性上颌窦炎的临床研究

目的探讨鼻内镜辅助下上颌窦根治术治疗真菌性上颌窦炎的临床价值。方法选择40例患者在鼻内镜辅助下上颌窦根治术治疗真菌性上颌窦炎，并与常规开放上颌窦根治术的患者比较，观察两组手术时间、术中出血以及总住院时间，并统计两组术后发生的并发症。结果观察组术中出血显著少于对照组（P〈0．05），总住院时间显著短于对照组（P〈0．05），观察组术后出现引流不畅、上唇麻木以及术后出血的比率均显著低于对照组（P〈0．05）。结论鼻内镜辅助下上颌窦根治术治疗真菌性上颌窦炎其手术创伤小，术后恢复快，并发症少，值得临床推广。     

内镜经鼻蝶切除伴有蝶窦气化不良的鞍区病变

目的探讨单鼻孔内镜下经鼻蝶切除伴有蝶窦气化不良的鞍区病变的方法。方法 2007年1月～2009年1月,内镜下经鼻蝶切除伴有蝶窦气化不良的15例鞍区病变,其中鞍前型蝶鞍8例,甲介型5例,骨性病变填塞蝶窦2例。结果无手术死亡病例,肿瘤全切12例(80.0%),次全切2例(13.3%),部分切除1例(6.7%)。病理类型包括垂体瘤12例(巨大腺瘤3例,大腺瘤7例,微腺瘤2例),脊索瘤2例,骨纤维结构不良1例。经1～3年随访(平均2.1年),术后复发1例,术后垂体功能低下1例。结论内镜经鼻蝶手术适用于大部分伴有蝶窦气化不良的病例,且效果良好。     

Transorbital Neuroendoscopic Management of Sinogenic Complications Involving the Frontal Sinus,Orbit, and Anterior Cranial Fossa

Transnasal endoscopic surgery has remained at the forefront of surgical management of sinogenic complications involving the frontal sinus, orbit, and anterior skull base. However, the difficulty in accessing certain areas of these anatomical regions can potentially limit its use. Transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) was recently introduced to transgress the limits of transnasal endoscopic surgery; the access that it provides could add additional surgical pathways for treating sinogenic complications involving the frontal sinus, orbit, and anterior cranial fossa. We describe a prospective series of 13 patients who underwent TONES for the management of various sinogenic complications, including epidural abscess, orbital abscess, and fronto-orbital mucocele or mucopyocele, as well as subperiosteal abscess presenting with orbital apex syndrome. The primary outcome measurement was the efficacy of TONES in treating these pathologies. TONES provided effective access to the frontal sinus, orbit, and the anterior cranial fossa. All patients demonstrated postoperative resolution of initial clinical symptoms with well-hidden surgical scars. There were no ophthalmologic complications or recurrence of pathology. Based on our experience, TONES appears to provide a valuable addition to the current surgical armamentarium for treating selected complications of sinusitis.     

鼻内镜下经鼻丘径路治疗慢性额窦炎

目的探讨鼻内镜下鼻丘径路治疗慢性额窦炎的疗效。方法对慢性额窦炎27例在鼻内镜下通过切除鼻丘气房暴露额窦开口,开放额窦。结果27例全部开放成功。除3侧眶周青紫外,无并发症发生。鼻内镜检查额窦口引流良好。27例术后随访6个月,18例额窦炎症状全部消失,7例明显改善,2例无明显改善。结论鼻内镜下经鼻丘径路微创治疗慢性额窦炎手术安全有效,值得在临床推广。     

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery for isolated sphenoid sinus disease

Background. This article reviews 12 cases of isolated sphenoid sinus disease: chronic inflammatory sinusitis (7), mucoceles (2), aspergillus lesions (2), and isolated polyp (1). Methods. Criteria for diagnosis were based on clinical symptoms, nasal endoscopic evaluation, and computed tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging was used only in cases of bone erosion and when patients presented with vision problems. All patients were treated by functional endoscopic sphenoidotomy. Any postoperative complications were noted. Conclusion. The reported good results, on the basis of regression of functional symptoms and with nasal endoscopic and CT evaluation, suggest that intranasal sphenoidotomy under endoscopic control is a safe and effective method of treatment of nonmalignant isolated sphenoid disease. The mean follow-up is 26 months. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Quality-of-life outcomes after osteoplastic frontal sinus obliteration.

Frontal sinusitis and its treatment remain controversial. Although several authors have evaluated the results of traditional endoscopic sinus surgery, few have assessed patient outcomes and quality of life after osteoplastic frontal sinus obliteration. This retrospective study evaluates these outcomes in a postoperative review and questionnaire of 39 patients treated at the University of Washington from 1991 to 1994. Most patients were satisfied with the results of this procedure, had significant improvements in their Chronic Sinusitis Survey scores, and reported decreased clinic visits and antibiotic use. However, approximately half thought nonsurgical treatments were more effective and continued to require other medical therapy; 30% required additional surgical intervention. Such outcomes may reflect the ineffectiveness of frontal sinus obliteration to treat the chronic symptoms of patients affected by the refractory underlying disease process of chronic sinusitis; however, despite these mixed results, we found a significant decrease in annual days of lost work or activity in this study group after osteoplastic obliteration.     

Unilateral endoscopic approach for repair of frontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid leak

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak closure remains one of the most difficult surgeries for skull base surgeons, particularly with frontal sinus involvement. Technological advances in endoscopic surgery increasingly allow for less morbid approaches to the frontal sinus. We describe a series of patients who underwent endoscopic frontal sinus CSF leak repair utilizing a unilateral approach, to evaluate the utility and outcomes of this method. We performed a retrospective review of four cases in tertiary care centers. Participants included patients with CSF leak involving the frontal sinus. Main outcome measures included cessation of CSF leak and frontal sinus patency. Three patients were closed on the first surgical attempt; one with a communicating hydrocephalus required a revision procedure. Leak etiologies included prior craniotomy for frontal sinus mucopyocele, spontaneous meningoencephalocele, erosion due to mucormycosis, and prior endoscopic sinus surgery. The frontal sinus remained patent in three of four patients. No patients have evidence of a leak at a minimum of 1 year after surgery. The repair of frontal sinus CSF leaks is possible in specific cases with an endoscopic unilateral approach in leaks with multiple etiologies. Surgeons should consider this approach when selecting the appropriate procedure for repair of frontal sinus CSF leaks.     

Chronic panrhinosinusitis without nasal polyps: long-term outcome after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic panrhinosinusitis without nasal polyps by using symptom scoring and an endoscopic outcome evaluation. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-seven patients with chronic panrhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (Kennedy computed tomography [CT] scan stages I to III) were followed up for at least 3 years after FESS. Preoperative evaluation included a CT scan and an immunoallergologic evaluation. Three years after FESS, all patients were interviewed and scored endoscopically. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of the patients showed a marked global improvement after FESS. The endoscopic control showed normal findings in 54% of all ethmoidal cavities. The postoperative endoscopic score correlated significantly with the subjective satisfaction ratings (P < 0.001). The preoperative CT staging proposed by Kennedy was predictive for necessity of revision surgery in 15% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that FESS for chronic panrhinosinusitis without nasal polyps has a good long-term outcome on subjective symptoms and endoscopic findings. SIGNIFICANCE: According to this study, subjective improvement correlates significantly with the postoperative endoscopic findings in the ethmoidal cavities of patients with chronic panrhinosinusitis without polyps at a long-term follow-up.