title: Balloon dilation of the frontal recess: a randomized clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of balloon dilation of the frontal recess in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis of the frontal sinus.
  
  
  METHODS
  We designed a double-blind randomized clinical trial of functional endoscopic sinus surgery assisted by balloon dilation versus conventional functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis of the frontal sinus. We enrolled a total of 40 patients in whom medical therapy had failed. The patients were randomly allocated to balloon dilation or to conventional frontal sinus drainage with a Draf I procedure. The main outcome measures were resolution of frontal sinus disease confirmed by computed tomographic scan, and permeability of the frontal recess seen on endoscopy, both at 12 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 40 patients enrolled, 32 concluded the trial. In both groups, we obtained a statistically significant reduction in the Lund-Mackay stage. Resolution of frontal sinus disease confirmed by computed tomographic scan seemed to be more common after balloon dilation, although this finding was not statistically significant. Permeability of the frontal recess was seen on endoscopy statistically more frequently after balloon treatment (73% versus 62.5%). Only 4 patients needed revision surgery. No major complications were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Balloon dilation of the frontal recess is a relatively safe and effective tool in the management of chronic frontal rhinosinusitis after intensive medical treatment has failed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Plaza
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Eisenberg
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Montojo
authors.forename: Tomás
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Onrubia
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Urbasos
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D015522:Frontal Sinusitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult