[Late results of endonasal ethmoid bone operation with special reference to polypous sinusitis]

Out of total of 164 patients with chronic sinusitis undergoing intranasal microsurgery, 94 patients were submitted to a detailed analysis one year later. The patients were divided into groups of polypoid and hyperplastic sinusitis, depending on the morphological appearances and the histology of the tissue removed. Patients with polyps showed a significantly higher rate of recurrent (47%) than patients with hyperplastic sinusitis (8.6%). Allergy or bronchial asthma did not influence significantly the rate of recurrence in patients with nasal polyposis, whereas patients with a hyperplastic sinusitis showed a higher recurrence rate if they were atopic as well. However, even patients with polypoid sinusitis gained marked long-term relief of nasal obstruction and other symptoms.