THE ROLE OF FUNCTIONAL ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RECURRENT SINUS BAROTRAUMA

Sinus barotrauma occurs when an individual is unable to equilibrate th e pressure within his sinuses with atmospheric pressure. Aviators affe cted by recurrent sinus barotrauma are unfit to fly until the underlyi ng cause is established and treated. While most cases result from intr anasal pathology, a significant number are the result of sinus patholo gy or anatomical abnormalities. This latter group have been difficult to manage in the past but the advent of computerized tomography and th e Hopkin's rod endoscope have allowed them to be operated on with prec ision and safety. Complications of this treatment are uncommon and the aviator has usually been able to resume full flying duties after unde rgoing a decompression test. in our experience it is rare for an aviat or who has passed a decompression test to have further episodes of sin us barotrauma.