Long term effects of cutting forceps in endoscopic sinus surgery.
BACKGROUND
At present, some authors prefer cutting forceps to conventional non-cutting forceps in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, based on the assumption of superior wound healing due to mucosal preservation, without any proof of better clinical outcome. The purpose of this study was to elaborate our previously reported short-term results, by evaluating the long-term outcome.


METHODS
One hundred consecutive patients, who underwent a bilateral Endoscopic Sinus Surgery procedure, received follow-up in a prospective, double-blinded way. Cutting forceps had been randomly used on one side and non-cutting forceps on the other side. Lateralised symptoms (headache, maxillary pressure, nasal obstruction and secretions) and endoscopic findings (secretion, pus, blood, crusts, oedema, polyps and adhesions) were evaluated on both sides 1 year postoperatively.


RESULTS
Both types of instruments gave satisfactory healing situations. Similar to the short-term follow-up results, no significant difference in the global symptom and endoscopic score between the 2 types of instruments was found. The analysis of individual symptoms and endoscopic parameters also showed no difference.


CONCLUSIONS
Cutting forceps do not result in a better subjective or endoscopic healing evaluation after one year, compared to non-cutting forceps.
Vauterin
Tom
T
Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Leuven, Kuleuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Vander Poorten
Vincent
V
Jorissen
Mark
M
D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004724:Endoscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013997:Time Factors