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Endoscopic sinus surgery in previously irradiated patients
F J Civantos1, A Yoskovitch, R R Casiano
1Department of Otolaryngology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1475 NW 12th Avenue, Suite 40037, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|April 3, 2001
Summary
Endoscopic sinus surgery is safe and effective for patients with refractory sinusitis after radiation therapy. While surgery can be challenging, it avoids external approaches and leads to good long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Radiation therapy to the head and neck can cause sinus complications.
- Sinusitis is common in irradiated patients, often presenting with crusting and mucus.
- Refractory sinusitis in these patients may necessitate surgical intervention.
Observation:
- Six irradiated patients with refractory sinusitis underwent endoscopic sinus surgery.
- Surgical procedures included ethmoidectomy, osteotomies, and dacryocystorhinostomy.
- Patients were monitored for complications, healing, and symptom persistence for 2-3 years.
Findings:
- Endoscopic sinus surgery in irradiated patients can be technically challenging due to altered anatomy.
- While some cases experienced bleeding or delayed healing, no long-term morbidity was observed.
- Symptom improvement was noted in most patients with no tumor recurrence.
Implications:
- Endoscopic sinus surgery is a viable treatment option for refractory sinusitis in previously irradiated patients.
- This approach may offer benefits by avoiding external surgical routes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand long-term outcomes in this patient population.