Endonasal sinus surgery: extended versus limited approach.
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to investigate whether two different surgical approaches in endonasal sinus surgery lead to different postoperative results in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.


METHODS
Sixty-five patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis were operated on with either a limited approach or an extended approach. They were examined preoperatively and reassessed during 3 months, 6 months, and long-term follow-up visits that included endoscopy, saccharin transport time, and the assessment of symptoms.


RESULTS
The concept of this study was prospective, randomized, and multicenter (Mainz, Germany, and Moscow, Russia). The results of the two different surgical approaches were compared with each other.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical results and symptomatology were similar in both groups of patients, suggesting that a conservative approach may be sufficient in most patients.
Kuehnemund
Matthias
M
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Mainz, School of Medicine, Germany.
Lopatin
Andrej
A
Amedee
Ronald G
RG
Mann
Wolf J
WJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000601:surgery*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome