The success of 6-month stenting in endonasal frontal sinus surgery

The ultimate success or failure of frontal sinus surgical procedures, whether they be endonasal or external, is determined essentially by the rate of restenosis of the frontal sinus outflow tract or neo-ostium postoperatively. Long-term stenting for a period of several months significantly reduces the rate of restenosis, particularly in difficult cases. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 12 patients who received 21 frontal nasal stents, which were left in place for 6 months. Based on outcomes measures that included endoscopy or radiologic findings and patients' self-evaluations, we conclude that frontal nasal stents that are left in place for 6 months are more effective than stents that are removed earlier. We recommend that this type of management be considered in difficult revision cases and before performing an external operation.