Sphenoid marsupialization for chronic sphenoidal sinusitis

OBJECTIVES: To review experience with sphenoid marsupialization and describe the technique using new instrumentation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of five cases of chronic sphenoid sinusitis that were resistant to standard medical and surgical methods, which were treated by sphenoid marsupialization. METHODS: Charts were reviewed and patients were interviewed regarding postoperative resolution of symptoms. RESULTS: Five cases of recalcitrant sphenoid sinusitis were reviewed. All patients had headache before surgery, and two had visual disturbance. In follow-up ranging from 1 to 87 months, all were free of symptoms related to the sphenoid sinus. CONCLUSIONS: Marsupialization is an effective method of exteriorizing a chronically infected sphenoid sinus. The use of functional endoscopic sinus surgery instruments and the TAC attachment of the Midas Rex drill make this surgery possible.