Comparison of two minimally invasive techniques for treating chronic rhinosinusitis in the pediatric population

Nathan A Deckard1, Gregory J Kruper, Thi Bui

  • 1Wayne State University, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.

Insights

Endoscopically guided middle meatus cultures and antral biopsy with adenoidectomy (EGC) offers faster symptom resolution and fewer complications for young children with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) compared to maxillary sinus aspiration and irrigation with adenoidectomy (MSI). Both techniques effectively diagnose bacterial infections in pediatric CRS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is prevalent in young children.
  • Maxillary sinus aspiration & irrigation with adenoidectomy (MSI) is an alternative to functional endoscopic sinus surgery but carries risks due to lack of direct visualization.
  • This study compares MSI with endoscopically guided middle meatus cultures & antral biopsy with adenoidectomy (EGC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the diagnostic accuracy of bacterial infection by culture between MSI and EGC.
  • To evaluate the time to symptom resolution using double antibiotic therapy for both procedures.
  • To assess the associated morbidity of MSI versus EGC in pediatric CRS patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series of children with CRS treated with MSI or EGC between 2004 and 2010.
  • Data collected from medical records at Wayne State University, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery.
  • Comparison of bacterial culture results, time to symptom resolution, and complication rates.

Main Results:

  • Both MSI and EGC demonstrated high bacterial identification rates (80% vs. 73%, p=0.45).
  • EGC showed a trend towards faster symptom resolution (4.9 weeks) compared to MSI (8.7 weeks), particularly for snoring and cough (p<0.05).
  • MSI had associated morbidities including epistaxis and transient pseudoproptosis; EGC reported no complications.

Conclusions:

  • Endoscopically guided middle meatus cultures and antral biopsy with adenoidectomy (EGC) is an effective treatment for pediatric CRS.
  • EGC and MSI are comparable in obtaining diagnostic cultures.
  • EGC offers reduced time to symptom resolution and a lower risk of complications compared to MSI.
Abstract