Evidence-Based Review of Endoscopic Frontal Sinus Surgery

Newswise — Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed for patients who have chronic or acute sinusitis that persists for more than six weeks after maximum medical therapy has been tried.

A new study presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO reviews the levels of evidence in the otolaryngology literature that support the efficacy of endoscopic approaches to treat frontal sinus disease. The study reviewed 23 papers that reported on the outcome of endoscopic approaches to treat frontal sinus diseases. Despite the mainstream acceptance of the surgery, the analysis determined that the majority of published papers had a small sample size, short follow-up duration, and provided low evidence levels.

Results from the study indicate that endoscopic frontal sinus surgery may offer a long-term cure, patients should be counseled regarding the potential of failure and need of revision surgery. Long-term follow-up is also important since complications (such as recurrent disease or the formation of mucocele) can develop several years after the surgery.

Title: Evidence-Based Review of Endoscopic Frontal Sinus SurgeryAuthors: Nicolas BuSaba, MD, Khajornkiat Prasittivatechakool, MDDate: Monday, September 17, 11:14 am - 11:22 am

Information for the MediaThe AAO-HNS Annual Meeting newsroom will be located in Registration East, Street Level of the Washington, D.C. Convention Center. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 15, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday - Tuesday, September 16 -18, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 19, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the media and credentialed public relations staff. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event - http://www.entnet.org/ent-press/online_reg.cfm.

About the AAO-HNSThe American Academy of Otolaryngology " Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's mission: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."