ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF SPHENOID SINUSITIS

Juxtaposed between the posterior nasal cavity and skull base, the dise ased sphenoid sinus presents unique challenges when surgical drainage is required, Endoscopic techniques have gained widespread popularity f or the treatment of sphenoid sinusitis, yet the efficacy of such treat ment remains largely unknown, Thirty-four patients who underwent endos copic sphenoidotomy were monitored over a period of 6 months to 5 year s. Surgery was performed with the superior turbinate used as the key l andmark for identification and enlargement of the natural sphenoid ost ium, Surgical access was through either a transnasal or transethmoid a pproach, depending on whether disease was limited to the sphenoid sinu s, Prospective analysis of 26 patients with established outcome measur es demonstrated a significant reduction in facial pain, nasal drainage , and congestion 6 months after surgery (p < 0.0001). Medication use w as also reduced but to a lesser extent (p < 0.05), Endoscopic sphenoid otomy appears to be a safe technique that effectively reduces patient morbidity associated with sphenoid sinusitis.