Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Techniques and Outcomes
Summary
In the last decade, endoscopic sinus surgery has evolved from basic functional approaches to highly refined techniques that aim to restore sinonasal ventilation, preserve mucosal function and minimise complications. The advent of high‐definition endoscopes and image‐guided navigation has enhanced intraoperative visualisation, allowing for precise resection of inflammatory tissue and polyps, targeted drainage of diseased sinuses and sparing of critical structures such as the orbit and skull base. Key procedural refinements include middle turbinate preservation or partial resection, temporary suture medialisation, and the application of steroid‐eluting stents or silastic splints to prevent postoperative adhesions and lateralisation. Outcomes studies indicate that such innovations can reduce synechiae formation, improve symptomatic relief and decrease revision rates. Patient‐reported outcome measures demonstrate significant improvements in nasal obstruction, facial pain and olfactory function, while objective endoscopic scores and imaging follow‐up corroborate sustained sinus patency. Despite these advances, polyp recurrence and middle turbinate lateralisation remain challenges. Ongoing research emphasises risk stratification, individualised surgical planning and multidisciplinary postoperative care to optimise long‐term results.
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Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Techniques and Outcomes publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in endoscopic sinus surgery techniques and outcomes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS): A minimally invasive procedure using a nasal endoscope to clear sinus passages and improve drainage.
Middle Turbinate: A curved bony structure covered by mucosa in the lateral nasal wall, serving as an anatomical landmark in sinus surgery.
Synechiae: Adhesive bands of scar tissue that can form between adjacent nasal structures, often after surgery.
Concha Bullosa: Pneumatization (air‐filled expansion) of the middle turbinate that may contribute to nasal obstruction and contact headaches.
Turbinectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of a turbinate to improve nasal airflow or access to sinus ostia.
References
- Prognostic Value of Polypoid Changes of the Middle Turbinate in Relapsed Nasal Polypi after FESS: A Prospective Cohort Study. International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology (2023).
- Does Rhino-genic headache improve after endoscopic concha bullosa surgery in the adult patients? A cross sectional study. Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2022).
- Preventive Measures of Middle Turbinate Lateralization After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: An Updated Review. Cureus (2021).
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