Major complications and consent prior to endoscopic sinus surgery

The endonasal endoscopic approach to the paranasal sinuses is no longer exc lusively practised by a small number of dedicated super-specialists and has gained widespread acceptance in the UK. We have audited the practice of th e Consultant members of the BAO-HNS via a confidential postal questionnaire with regards to the consent of their patients prior to surgery, and to the complications they have experienced. The overall rate of complications fol lowing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was 0.69%, with the incidence of majo r complications 0.25% and of minor complications 0.44%. Wide variations in the practice of informed consent were found to exist, and this is discussed with reference to a suggested template for preoperative discussion with th e patient.