Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis May Improve Sleep and Sexual Function

Objectives/Hypothesis: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of surgery on the sexual function and sleep function of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Study Design: A retrospective review of a cohort of prospectively enrolled patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who have undergone endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: Each patient completed the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) prior to surgery and at least nine months following endoscopic sinus surgery, and the preoperative and postoperative scores for the questions related to sleep and sexual activity were evaluated. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the magnitude and direction of change between observation points. Results: Mean response scores regarding sexual activity between preoperative (1.1 +/- 1.0) and postoperative scores (0.7 +/- 0.8) are significantly different (P<.001). Mean response scores regarding sleep dysfunction between preoperative (2.4 +/- 1.0) and postoperative scores (1.5 +/- 1.1) are also significantly different (P<.001). For both questions, a higher frequency of subjects responded "never" and "almost never" in the postoperative period compared with preoperative measures. Conclusions: Using the questions from the RSDI, there is an improvement in scores of sexual function and sleep after surgery for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Further, more in-depth evaluations of these potential benefits are needed.