title: Complications in endoscopic intranasal ethmoidectomy: an update.
abstract: A previous publication by this author discussing complications of endoscopic intranasal ethmoidectomy indicated an overall complication rate of 29% in 90 patients (17% in 150 ethmoidectomies). Compared to published complications rates for traditional intranasal ethmoidectomy (2.7% to 3.7%), 17% is alarming and of concern. The complication results in 300 ethmoidectomies performed on 180 patients are presented. The overall complication rate was 9.3%. Only two further complications have occurred since the first reported series: a cerebrospinal fluid leak and one case of subcutaneous emphysema. Methods and techniques that have led to the reduction of complications are briefly discussed. Endoscopic ethmoidectomy is a valid, safe procedure in experienced hands.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical School, Maywood, Ill 60153.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Stankiewicz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001766:Blindness / Q000209:etiology; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid; D002648:Child; D004724:Endoscopy; D005005:Ethmoid Sinus / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology