Endoscopic Techniques for Sinus Surgery
Summary
Endoscopic techniques have transformed the surgical management of sinonasal disorders by combining high-definition illumination, angled optics and minimally invasive access to the paranasal sinuses. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) represents the current gold standard for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis, permitting targeted removal of diseased mucosa and bony partitions while preserving healthy structures. Balloon sinuplasty has emerged as an adjunct or alternative for selected patients, dilating sinus ostia without tissue excision. Advances in intraoperative visualisation include three-dimensional endoscopy, high-resolution cameras and narrow-band imaging to enhance mucosal detail. Instrumentation has evolved from cold steel forceps to powered microdebriders and radiofrequency devices, improving efficiency and haemostasis. The integration of image-guided navigation and augmented reality overlays on endoscopic images offers real-time anatomical orientation, reducing complication rates in complex frontal and skull-base cases. Preoperative planning utilises computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to define individual anatomical variants and optimise surgical corridors. Simulation-based training and standardised landmark protocols have further refined surgeon proficiency. Together, these innovations have elevated global standards of care, enabling more precise interventions, reduced morbidity and accelerated recovery in sinus surgery.
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Endoscopic Techniques for Sinus Surgery publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in endoscopic techniques for sinus surgery across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS): Minimally invasive technique using nasal endoscopes to restore sinus ventilation and drainage.
Image-guided system (IGS): Intraoperative navigation linking patient imaging to real-time endoscopic views for precise instrument guidance.
Microdebrider: Powered rotary device for controlled removal of inflamed tissue and bone during endoscopic sinus surgery.
Nomogram: Graphical prediction tool combining multiple variables to estimate individual risk or outcome probabilities.
References
- CT Analysis of Variations in the Medial Maxillary Wall Relative to the Medial Orbital Wall: Implications for Surgical Risk Stratification from an Endoscopic Perspective. Life (2025).
- Clinical and economic benefits of image-guided system in functional endoscopicsinus surgery: a retrospective chart review study in China. Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation (2023).
- Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting poor operative visibility during FESS in Chinese adult patients with CRS. Frontiers in Medicine (2024).
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