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Endoscopic sinus surgery: a safe procedure among the less experienced surgeons?
Ricardo Barroso Ribeiro1, Cláudia Pinto Reis, Sandra Sousa e Castro
1Oporto's Hospital Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal. ricardobarrosoribeiro@gmail.com
Auris, Nasus, Larynx
|November 22, 2011
Summary
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has a 7.39% complication rate, with no link to surgeon experience. Factors like extensive or revision surgeries increase risks, not surgeon seniority.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Outcomes
- Rhinology
Background:
- Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a common procedure for sinonasal diseases.
- Assessing complication rates and associated risk factors is crucial for patient safety and surgical quality improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of complications in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
- To investigate whether surgeon experience is a predisposing factor for ESS complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 667 patients undergoing ESS between 2006 and 2009.
- Evaluation of perioperative and postoperative complications with a minimum 3-month follow-up.
- Correlation of surgeon experience, surgery type, and patient factors with complication rates.
Main Results:
- Overall complication incidence was 7.39% (5.91% minor, 1.48% major).
- No significant correlation found between surgeon's years of experience and complication rates.
- Extensive surgeries, revision procedures, and the presence/grade of polyposis were associated with higher complication rates.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) carries inherent risks, with complications occurring irrespective of surgeon experience.
- Patient outcomes are not negatively impacted when residents perform ESS under senior surgeon supervision.
- Surgical complexity and patient-specific factors are key determinants of complication risk in ESS.
