LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF AVIATORS AFTER FUNCTIONAL ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY FOR SINUS BAROTRAUMA

Prior to endonasal endoscopic advances for the treatment of sinus dise ase, surgical results for aviators with recurrent sinus barotrauma (RS B) were inconsistent. Between 1988 and 1992, 54 aviators, who were per manently or temporarily grounded, underwent functional endoscopic sinu s (FES) surgery in an attempt to return them to active flying status. Follow-up in the immediate postoperative period revealed that 98% of t hese aviators returned to active flight duty. A questionnaire was mail ed to each of these aviators to compare their preoperative and long-te rm postoperative symptoms and determine their current flying status. L ongterm follow-up time ranged from 20 to 72 mo with average of 48 mo. Of the aviators who responded to the survey, 92% have continued their flying duties and do not report difficulties with RSB. We conclude tha t FES surgery is effective in the short-and long-term management RSB i n aviators.