FACIAL SKELETAL GROWTH AFTER ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY IN THE PIGLET MODEL

This study examined the effects of varying degrees of endoscopic sinus surgery on the growing midface and snout in pigs. In this randomized, controlled experiment, thirty 40-60-pound pigs were placed in five ex perimental groups: (1) unilateral uncinectomy; (2) bilateral uncinecto my; (3) unilateral uncinectomy, anterior ethmoidectomy, maxillary antr ostomy; (4) bilateral uncinectomy, anterior ethmoidectomy, maxillary a ntrostomy; (5) unoperated controls. Animals were killed after 3 months and growth wets assessed, according to linear and spatial measurement s of multiple craniofacial regions. Euclidean distance matrix analysis showed significant restrictive shape alterations in a linear-fashion in groups 1-4 (p < .05). These alterations occurred in the surgical fi eld of the snout, midsnout, and maxilla. Endoscopic sinus surgery caus es significant restrictive effects in the growing porcine facial skele ton.