Routine histopathology in uncomplicated sinus surgery: is it necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of occult pathology in routine, uncomplicated endoscopic sinus surgery, and to suggest guidelines for when to send specimens for histopathologic exam. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis of case records of 790 patients who underwent 868 endoscopic sinus surgeries at a tertiary care center from 1986 to 2003. Indications were chronic sinusitis, recurrent acute sinusitis, nasal polyposis, or combinations of these diagnoses. All cases were considered routine and did not involve preoperative suspicion of neoplasm or other complicating factors. Charts were reviewed for surgical indication, patient age, laterality of disease, history of prior sinus surgery, intraoperative suspicion of tumor, and final histopathology. RESULTS: In 868 cases of endoscopic sinus surgery, occult neoplasm was diagnosed in 2 patients (0.23%). In one patient, the initial surgery cured the lesion. Final histopathology of the remaining 866 (99.8%) specimens was consistent with inflammation and/or nasal polyposis. In 121 cases of unilateral sinusitis, none was positive for neoplasm. In 277 cases involving bilateral nasal polyposis and 13 involving unilateral polyposis, no neoplasms were found. Intraoperative suspicion of neoplasm occurred in 12 cases, with all specimens read as consistent with sinusitis and/or polyposis. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathologic review of every specimen obtained in routine sinus surgery for sinusitis and/or nasal polyposis is not indicated. Submission of specimen is indicated in routine cases when: 1) there is intraoperative suspicion of tumor, 2) unilateral nasal polyposis is present, 3) unilateral sinus opacification is present, and 4) additional diagnostic information is needed (eg, presence of eosinophils, fungal forms, etc.). SIGNIFICANCE: Establishes a safe and reasonable standard of care, with potential cost savings and medico-legal ramifications.     

Effect of endoscopic sinus surgery on irradiation-induced rhinosinusitis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effect of endoscopic sinus surgery on irradiation-induced rhinosinusitis of the maxillary-sinus mucosa among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). DESIGN: Surgical outcomes were evaluated by changes to the ultrastructure of the antral mucosa and nasomucociliary clearance. METHODS: Twenty-one NPC patients with irradiation-induced chronic sinusitis were enrolled in the study, along with five controls. Specimens were taken from 42 maxillary sinuses during surgery and 1 year after surgery. Saccharin transit time was measured before the initial surgery and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: In the postoperative cases, we found a decrease in the number of the submucosal gland openings (P < 0.05), the cilia in the antral mucosa regenerated (P < 0.05), and the saccharin transit time reduced (P < 0.05); the number of goblet cells did not change. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective treatment for irradiation-induced rhinosinusitis in NPC patients, improving ventilation and drainage of the paranasal sinuses, and facilitating regeneration of the sinus mucosa.     

New endoscopic instruments for paranasal sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive endoscopic and microscopic procedures represent state of the art paranasal sinus surgery techniques in both diagnostic and surgical fields. To combine favorable aspects of both techniques, we evaluated the clinical applicability and effectiveness of multifunctional microendoscopes, providing multiple features to ensure highest accuracy and surveillance when performing crucial steps in paranasal sinus surgery. METHODS: The study included both anatomic experiments on cadaveric heads and clinical tests on patients undergoing routine paranasal surgery. The systems applicability was evaluated in procedures approaching the frontal and sphenoid sinus. Three different endoscopes, 2 straight and the other 1 with a 90 degrees angle, were tested. They integrate canals for flushing and suction and a working canal for either drilling or obtaining biopsies with a miniaturized forceps. For stereotactic feedback, the applicability in combination with a computer-navigation system was evaluated. RESULTS: Anatomic tests were performed to optimize illumination and to test drilling features and forceps biopsies. In all cases, the frontal sinus ostium and the sphenoid sinus anterior wall was easily identified and enlarged by drilling under visual and stereotactic control. Continuous suction and irrigation ensured a constant visual surveillance by removing drilling debris and blood. Best suited for multifunctional endoscopic surgery were drill heads with a cylinder shape, for placing bore holes along the Z axis, and spherical drill heads, for furbishing and enlarging drill holes. CONCLUSION: These new instruments have proven their applicability in paranasal sinus surgery. Multifunctional endoscopic procedures were deemed best suited for maneuvers requiring highest precision, such as the surgery of the frontal and sphenoid sinus.     

Osteoplastic flap for obliteration of the frontal sinus: Five years’ experience

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the osteoplastic flap (OPF) for the obliteration of the frontal sinus in this current era of endoscopic management of frontal sinus disease. A review of consecutive OPF procedures (n = 43) performed by the senior author (J.A.D.) from 1992 to 1997 was carried out. Data were gathered regarding chief symptom, medical history, previous sinus surgery, endoscopic findings in the office and at surgery, CT scan findings, and follow-up results (mean 19.4 months). Previous endoscopic management of frontal sinus disease had failed in 24% of patients; 97% had eventual resolution of frontal sinusitis with OPF. After OPF, 63% also had improvement or resolution of disease in other paranasal sinuses. Statistically significant, positive correlations (P < 0.05) were noted between the resolution of frontal sinusitis and improved or resolved pain, as well as the resolution of frontal sinusitis and improved or resolved infections in other paranasal sinuses. In 1998 OPF remains the standard for treating frontal sinus disease refractory to other methods. OPF can decrease the pain associated with frontal sinus infections and has a positive impact on inflammatory disease in other paranasal sinuses. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:731-5.)     

3D computed tomographic analysis of frontal recess anatomy in patients without frontal sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: Describe frontal sinus pneumatization in patients with no history of frontal sinus disease. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All 1-mm axial sinus CT scans performed from 2001 through 2003 were eligible for review on a CBYON Suite workstation (CBYON, Mountain View, CA). Exclusion criteria included frontal sinusitis, sinonasal polyposis, age < 18 years, sinus malignancy, fibroosseous lesions, maxillofacial trauma, congenital anomaly, and sinus surgery. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of each structure was: agger nasi cell (89%), type 1 frontal cell (37%), type 2 frontal cell (19%), type 3 frontal cell (8%), type 4 frontal cell (0%), supraorbital ethmoid cell (62%), suprabullarcell (15%), frontal bullar cell (9%), interfrontal septal cell (14%), and recessus terminalis (22%). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes frontal pneumatization in patients without a history of conditions that influence frontal pneumatization. The results characterize normal frontal recess/sinus pneumatization patterns.     

Osteoplastic flap for obliteration of the frontal sinus: five years' experience.

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the osteoplastic flap (OPF) for the obliteration of the frontal sinus in this current era of endoscopic management of frontal sinus disease. A review of consecutive OPF procedures (n = 43) performed by the senior author (J.A.D.) from 1992 to 1997 was carried out. Data were gathered regarding chief symptom, medical history, previous sinus surgery, endoscopic findings in the office and at surgery, CT scan findings, and follow-up results (mean 19.4 months). Previous endoscopic management of frontal sinus disease had failed in 24% of patients; 97% had eventual resolution of frontal sinusitis with OPF. After OPF, 63% also had improvement or resolution of disease in other paranasal sinuses. Statistically significant, positive correlations (P < 0.05) were noted between the resolution of frontal sinusitis and improved or resolved pain, as well as the resolution of frontal sinusitis and improved or resolved infections in other paranasal sinuses. In 1998 OPF remains the standard for treating frontal sinus disease refractory to other methods. OPF can decrease the pain associated with frontal sinus infections and has a positive impact on inflammatory disease in other paranasal sinuses.     

Actinomycosis of the paranasal sinus

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of actinomycosis of the paranasal sinus. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The medical records of six patients with actinomycosis of the paranasal sinus between 1998 and 2006 were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no immunocompromised patients and all lesions were unilateral. Only one patient had a history of an oroantral fistula due to facial trauma. On CT scan, all patients had unilateral opacification of the maxillary sinus with focal calcified densities. All cases underwent endoscopic sinus surgery followed by relatively short-term antibiotic administration, and there was no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic unilateral maxillary sinusitis, a calcified density in the involved sinus on radiological studies, and unresponsiveness to antibiotics are characteristics of actinomycotic sinusitis. Surgical removal of the involved tissues and the restoration of sinus ventilation seem to be important factors for treating the disease.     

Characteristics of sinus-related pain

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to determine possible distinctive features of facial pain when caused by chronic sinusitis and to validate the pain characteristics previously described in the literature. METHODS: Included were 82 patients with radiographic and endoscopic evidence of chronic sinusitis and significant facial pain who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery and were available for 1-year follow-up. A modified McGill pain questionnaire was filled out before surgery, and follow-up data were obtained at 1 year. RESULTS: At 1 year 38% of patients had persistent facial pain despite the lack of any evidence of persistent sinusitis. A consistent use of pain adjectives and other distinctive features was noted in patients reporting improvement of headache. There was no correlation between the severity of pain and the extent or location of mucosal disease. The site of pain did not correlate with the site of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Sinusitis-related pain has distinctive features that set it apart from primary headache disorders and other causes of facial pain. Nonsinus causes account for the headache in 1 of 3 patients undergoing sinus surgery.     

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.     

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.     

Supraorbital ethmoidal cell: Anatomical prevalence and surgical significance

Objectives: Investigation of the prevalence and extent of supraorbital ethmoidal cells in relation to ethmoidal arteries.Methods: Paranasal sinus CT scans of 531 patients with various symptoms and diagnoses (headache, sinusitis, nasal polyposis, etc) were investigated regarding the presence and extent of supraorbital ethmoidal cells. Supraorbital ethmoidal cells were classified according to anteroposterior extension and superior extension in relation to ethmoidal arteries.Results: Supraorbital ethmoidal cells were present bilaterally in 299 cases (56.3%). The unilateral presence of supraorbital ethmoidal cells was seen in 25 cases (4.7%). When present on both sides, the cells showed symmetrical extension in the majority of the cases (78.9%), while in 63 cases (21.1%), the cellsdemonstrated asymmetric extension. Either one or both anterior ethmoidal arteries were exposed in 65.4% of the cases with supraorbital ethmoidal cells. Since more posterior extension of supraorbital ethmoidal cells is rare, the posterior ethmoidal artery was exposed in only 15 of the cases.Conclusions: The presence of supraorbital ethmoidal cells is not rare and evaluation of their extension is especially important to avoid complications during endoscopic sinus surgery. When the cells extend beyond the ethmoidal arteries, the high ethmoid roof will make these vessels open to laceration during surgical procedure. In order to avoid complications during endoscopic sinus surgery, thorough investigation of paranasal sinus CT scans is crucial.     

Anatomic Variations of the Sphenoid Sinus and Their Impact on Trans-sphenoid Pituitary Surgery

Introduction: The trans-sphenoid access to the pituitary gland is becoming the most common approach for pituitary adenomas. Preoperative evaluation of the anatomy of the sphenoid sinus by computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a routine procedure and can direct the surgical decision. Purpose: This work determines the incidence of the different anatomical variations of the sphenoid sinus as detected by MRI and CT scan and their impact on the approach. Methods: The CT scan and MRI of 296 patients operated for pituitary adenomas via a trans-sphenoid approach were retrospectively reviewed regarding the different anatomical variations of the sphenoid sinus: degree of pneumatization, sellar configuration, septation pattern, and the intercarotid distance. Results: There were 6 cases with conchal pneumatization, 62 patients with presellar, 162 patients with sellar, and 66 patients with postsellar pneumatization. There was sellar bulge in 232 patients, whereas this bulge was absent in 64 patients. There was no intersphenoid sinus septum in 32 patients, a single intersphenoid septum in 212 patients, and an accessory septum in 32 patients. Intraoperatively, the sellar bulge was marked in 189 cases and was mild in 43 cases. Discussion: The pattern of pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus significantly affects the safe access to the sella. A highly pneumatized sphenoid sinus may distort the anatomic configuration, so in these cases it is extremely important to be aware of the midline when opening the sella to avoid accidental injury to the carotid and optic nerves. The sellar bulge is considered one of the most important surgical landmarks, facilitating the access to the sella. The surgical position of the patient is also a crucial point to avoid superior or posterior misdirection with resultant complications. It is wise to use extreme caution while removing the terminal septum. Conclusion: Different anatomical configurations of the sphenoid sinus can seriously affect the access to the sella via the nose. The surgeon should be aware of these findings preoperatively to reach the sella safely and effectively.     

Comparison of plain radiographs, coronal CT, and intraoperative findings in children with chronic sinusitis.

Evaluating the extent of chronic sinusitis in children is critical in management of the disease and determination of the need for surgery. High-resolution computed tomography can demonstrate disease that is not shown on routine x-ray films. It can also delineate pathologic variations and demonstrate inaccessible anatomic structures. We compared plain radiographs, CT scans, and intraoperative findings for 300 pediatric patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis. Despite an imperfect record in demonstration of sinus disease in all of our patients, computed tomography was unquestionably better than plain radiography in diagnosis of chronic sinusitis and evaluation of the need for surgery. Despite its superior performance, CT should not be used exclusively to diagnose disease or propose surgery. These determinations must be made on the basis of a combination of the patient's symptoms, physical examination findings, and CT results.     

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.     

Outcome of reflux therapy on pediatric chronic sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: The cause of pediatric chronic sinusitis is multifactorial, but nasal edema appears to be the initial pathologic step. The objective of this study is to evaluate gastronasal reflux as a possible cause of pediatric sinusitis. METHODS: Thirty children with chronic sinusitis were believed to be appropriate candidates for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Children were evaluated retrospectively for their response to reflux therapy with regard to their sinus symptoms and avoidance of sinus surgery. RESULTS: Two of the 30 children were eventually excluded because they were taken to surgery for the specific purpose of contact point release. Chart review at 24-month follow-up indicated that 25 of the 28 children (89%) avoided sinus surgery. CONCLUSION: After reflux treatment, the number of children requiring sinus surgery was dramatically reduced. The results of this preliminary pediatric study indicate that gastronasal reflux should be evaluated and treated before sinus surgical intervention.     

Middle meatus anstrostomy: patency rates and risk factors

Two hundred patients with chronic sinusitis were operated on using functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) techniques. These patients were followed closely over 3 years. Patency of the endoscopic middle meatotomy was recorded using actuarial life-table methods. The overall patency rate of the endoscopic middle meatotomy was 93.55%, and the actuarial patency rate at 36 months was 87.47%. The presence of seasonal allergy with nasal polyps was the most important variable in predicting closure. Middle turbinectomy was the most important variable in predicting patency. Symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire at 1 year. Questionnaire data indicate that 96% of these patients are improved or asymptomatic.     

Effects of systemic steroid treatment in chronic polypoid rhinosinusitis evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined (local and systemic) steroid therapy on the extent of chronic polypoid rhinosinusitis and patient symptoms. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Subjects of this study were 20 patients with severe chronic polypoid rhinosinusitis with total or subtotal narrowing of the all sinuses. A nasal budesonide spray (2 x 0.1 mg/day) and an oral fluocortolone medication with a daily reduction during a 12-day period (total dose: 560 mg = group 1) and a 20-day period (total dose: 715 mg = group 2), respectively, were administered. Before and after the steroid treatment we evaluated the extent of the sinusitis with MRI and patient symptoms with symptom-related questionnaires. RESULTS: A significant reduction (> 30%) of the chronic polypoid rhinosinusitis was observed in 50% of MRI findings. The steroid effect on polypoid masses was heterogeneous in different anatomic areas (maxillary sinus 40%, anterior ethmoid 19%, posterior ethmoid 33%, sphenoidal sinus 61%, frontal sinus 46%). Most sinusitis-related symptoms were distinctly diminished in most patients (80%). No major side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A combined short-term steroid therapy is highly effective in chronic polypoid rhinosinusitis, reducing the mucosal inflammation mainly in the large sinuses and reducing the incidence of symptoms significantly. However, this therapy was insufficient in the anterior ethmoid and cannot replace the current surgical treatment concept of the osteomeatal complex in CPR. The indication for such a short-term steroid therapy is the preoperative treatment. It facilitates functional endoscopic sinus surgery by reducing the extent of surgical procedures, the time, and thereby the risks of sinus surgery.     

The utility of concurrent rhinoplasty and sinus surgery: a 2-team approach

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficiency of and patient satisfaction with a 2-team approach for combined rhinoplasty and sinus surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective medical chart analysis of consecutive patients with sinus disease and functional nasal obstruction. Forty-four patients (29 women and 15 men; age range, 22-75 years) had severe nasal obstruction with chronic sinusitis and were found to have indications for this procedure. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months after surgery. Patients completed a standardized questionnaire at the time of medical chart review, and 36 patients completed a telephone interview. RESULTS: All 44 patients underwent rhinoplasty with an endoscopic sinus procedure. Twenty-seven procedures (61%) were endonasal, whereas 17 (39%) were open rhinoplasty. Patients with internal nasal valve collapse underwent 28 butterfly grafts, 6 spreader grafts, and 8 batten grafts. The endoscopic sinus procedures consisted of maxillary antrostomy (30/44 [68%]) and ethmoidectomy (28/44 [63%]). Overall, 20 (65%) of 31 patients reported a postsurgical nasal airway that was significantly improved. Most sinus symptoms were resolved postoperatively, with 25 (71%) of 35 patients describing their improvement as significant. Thirty-two (92%) of 36 patients stated that they would recommend the concurrent procedure. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting with nasal obstruction and chronic sinusitis tolerated combined rhinoplasty and sinus procedures without added morbidity.     

Concomitant Transsphenoidal Approach to the Anterior Skull Base and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Objectives To describe outcomes of endoscopic resection of sellar tumors with concomitant endoscopic sinus surgery for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Design Retrospective chart review.Setting Tertiary care medical center.Participants Patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for excision of anterior skull base lesions and simultaneous functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for CRS between January 2006 and January 2011 by senior authors (MRR and JJE).Main Outcomes Measured Short- and long-term postoperative complications.Results Fourteen patients were identified. Average follow-up was 27 months. All patients had preoperative symptoms consistent with CRS. No patients were treated with preoperative antibiotics. Surgical pathology revealed chronic sinusitis in all specimens. Pathology of the intracranial lesions included 11 pituitary macroadenomas, one craniopharyngioma, one chondrosarcoma, and one cholesterol granuloma. Short-term postoperative morbidities included a sphenoid polyp, one adhesion, and one case of pharyngitis. Long-term outcomes included one frontoethmoidal mucocele, one recurrence of nasal polyps, and three cases of acute sinusitis. There were no intracranial complications for the entire follow-up period.Conclusions Transsphenoidal surgery can safely be performed in the setting of CRS without increased risk of intracranial complications.     

Bacteriology of chronic sinusitis after amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium therapy

The bacteriology of chronic sinusitis was studied after amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium therapy. Patients with chronic sinusitis were randomly divided into 2 groups. In the study group, 90 patients were given a 2-week course of amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium before functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In the control group, 113 patients did not take any antibiotics within 2 weeks before the surgery. Swab specimens were taken from the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses during surgery and sent for aerobic and anaerobic culture. In the study group, the culture rates of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were 45.6% and 28.9%, respectively. In the control group, the culture rates of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were 53.1% and 34.5%, respectively. The culture rates between the control group and the study group were not significantly different, either for the maxillary sinus or the ethmoid sinus. This showed that treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium did not change the bacteriology of chronic sinusitis.