Two-year results: transantral balloon dilation of the ethmoid infundibulum

Multiple prospective and retrospective studies have reported results from balloon-only procedures and hybrid balloon sinus surgeries through intermediate follow-up periods of up to 1 year. Long-term durability results beyond 2 years are limited.

One-year results from the original study of standalone transantral balloon dilation in patients with computed tomography (CT) evidence of chronic inflammation in the maxillary sinuses alone or maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses combined were previously reported. Revision rate, symptom improvement, and productivity improvement were prospectively evaluated after a minimum follow-up of 2 years.

Fifty-nine patients (107 maxillary ostia) underwent balloon dilation of the maxillary sinus outflow tract and completed postprocedure follow-up assessment at 27.0 ± 3.6 months. Patient 20-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20) score improved from 2.65 ± 0.97 at baseline to 0.79 ± 0.71 at long-term follow-up (p < 0.0001). Improvement in work productivity and activity due to sinus-related health issues for all patients was statistically significant across all survey instrument characteristics (p range, <0.0001 to 0.02). An analysis of the outcomes in a subgroup of patients with maxillary and anterior ethmoid disease (20; 34%) showed similar significant improvement in symptoms (SNOT-20 decrease = -2.1; p < 0.0001). Approximately 92% of all patients reported satisfaction with the balloon procedure. Four (6.8%) patients underwent revision sinus surgery at 11.1 ± 7.3 months after treatment.

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and radiographic evidence of isolated maxillary disease with or without anterior ethmoid disease have reported clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in symptoms, productivity, and activity through a minimum of 2 years following standalone balloon dilation.