Endoscopic balloon dilation sinuplasty including ethmoidal air cells in chronic rhinosinusitis

We present the results of our experience with balloon catheter sinusotomy (BCS) in patients who had chronic rhinosinusitis.

The medical records of 30 patients who were treated for chronic sinusitis with the BCS technique between April 2007 and February 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed by endoscopic endonasal examination and Lund-Mackay radiologic staging of paranasal sinus computed tomography scans. The symptom scoring was performed with the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20). The postoperative follow-up period was at least 12 months.

We performed BCS in 151 sinuses, excluding 2 maxillary and 2 frontal sinuses. No major complication attributable to BCS was observed. After operation, suctioning and crust removal was not needed in the area operated on in BCS patients. Revision surgery was needed in 2 patients after 6 months. From before to after operation, the SNOT-20 values and Lund-Mackay scores decreased significantly.

We conclude that BCS helps to dilate the sinus ostia properly and effectively in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis. It can also be performed in the ethmoidal air cell area.