[Our experience in microsurgery of rhino-sinus phlogosis]

Rhino-microscopy has made great progress in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of rhino-sinus phlogosis. In fact, a larger portion of the endonasal pathologies, which would not otherwise have been detected, can now be diagnosed through rhino-microscopic exploration. From the surgical point of view microscopy offers a clear, enlarged operating field. Moreover, with the aid of an autostatic speculum, it frees the surgeon to use both hands. These features make intricate, precise surgery possible thus enabling preservation of those structures which are not involved in the disease. At the same time it allows for re-establishment of the physiological functionality of the rhino-sinus cavity. Between 1980 and 1989 the microsurgery technique was employed in 950 cases of rhino-sinus cavity surgery. The results achieved using this technique were quite good and the number of complications was quite limited although the number of patients to be followed up over the years was not sufficient to draw any statistical conclusions. For several years now optic-fibre endoscopy has also been employed. This, too, is a functional technique although the method and instruments are totally different. It is not the intention of the authors here to assert that microsurgery is superior to endoscopy even though some technical details (i.e. the ability to operate with both hands) has made it easier to use, particularly for those accustomed to using a microscope. It is, however, felt that for rhino-surgery it is advisable to be familiar with both techniques so that they can be used alternately depending on the type of pathology and patient.