The frontal osteoplastic flap: does it still have a place in rhinological surgery?

Objective: To review outcomes and complications in a series of adults undergoing a frontal osteoplastic flap procedure without obliteration, for endoscopically inaccessible sinus disease. Material and method: Retrospective case note review of patients treated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary between January 2004 and October 2008. Results: Ten patients were identified (age range 19-81 years, mean age 46.3 years). No major intra- or post-operative complications occurred. There were three minor complications: superficial discharging wound, forehead swelling and haematoma. Conclusion: The frontal osteoplastic flap still has a role in frontal sinus surgery. With minor technical modifications, this procedure may be performed with minimal complication and morbidity for patients with endoscopically inaccessible frontal sinus diseas