The Role of External Surgical Approaches in the Treatment of Complications of Rhinosinusitis

Abstract:Objective: Whilst complications arising from rhinosinusitis are infrequent, the spread of infection orbitally or intracranially is severe condition with a high mortality. This study aims to review cases of complications arising from rhinosinusitis in the light of method of operative treatment.Methods: 18 cases of individuals presenting to a particular clinic with the development of complications following sinusitis within the previous three years were included in the study. The characteristic features of these cases in terms of diagnosis and treatment were investigated.Results: The mean age of all cases was 22.5 years. Both surgical and medical treatment was administered in seven cases, while medical treatment alone was used for eleven cases.Conclusion:The benefit of this review is that there are very minor differences in outcomes between the endoscopic surgery compared to traditional external drainage to suggest that one technique is superior to the other.Therefore, even with the evolution of endoscopic endonasal surgery, it is imperative for a sinonasal surgeon to be familiar with external approaches.