ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY - MODERN THERAPY FOR SINUS DISEASE

This article describes the procedures of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FES). The types of patients who are potential candidates for the surgery are discussed and case examples given. The primary rationale for functional endoscopic sinus surgery is its physiological basis in restoring mucocilliary clearance of the paranasal sinuses. Accurate preoperative assessment using telescopic examination in the office and coronal CT scans of the sinus provide the surgeon with precise anatomical information which is used at the time of surgery. The surgery is minimally invasive resulting in significantly less morbidity than with traditional sinus operations. Overall success rates are approximately 85%.