[Complications of endoscopic sinus surgery in a residency training program]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Education
• Rhinology

Context:

• Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a common procedure for nasal polyps.
• ESS requires a learning curve, typically developed during residency training.
• Complication rates in ESS can vary based on surgeon experience and technique.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the safety and complication rates of ESS performed by residents.
• To assess the outcomes of ESS for nasal polyps within an otolaryngology residency program.
• To determine the incidence of minor and major complications during resident-performed ESS.

Summary:

• A retrospective study reviewed 192 cases of ESS for nasal polyps performed by 3rd/4th-year residents under faculty supervision.
• Overall complication rate was 22.9% (20.8% minor, 2.08% major).
• Most common minor complication: synechia formation (10.93%). Major complication: lamina papyracea breach (2.08%). No blindness, CSF leaks, or deaths occurred.

Impact:

• ESS can be safely performed by residents in training programs.
• Faculty supervision is crucial for minimizing complications during resident-performed ESS.
• This study supports the integration of ESS into otolaryngology residency curricula.