[Health services research on paranasal sinus surgery in Thuringia: epidemiologic key data and outcome]

Although modern minimal-invasive paranasal sinus surgery is an integral part of clinical routine of otorhinolaryngologic surgeons, there are no population-based data on incidence and efficiency of this surgery published.

1,582 patients underwent paranasal sinus surgery in the 8 Thuringian departments of otorhinolaryngology in 2005. All patients were analysed regarding patients' characteristics, therapy, complications and further course of disease.

The incidence of paranasal sinus surgery was 46/100,000 for women and higher for men with 72/100,000. Median age was 48 years. Chronic sinusitis was the main reason for surgery (94%; including 33% with nasal polyps) and was performed dominantly as endoscopic sinus surgery (96%). Surgery was performed bilaterally in 75% of the cases and as primary surgery. In most cases at least 2 paranasal sinuses per side were approached. Relevant complications were observed in 4% of patients. During the follow-up time of 45-51 months a recurrence was observed in 9% of cases. Using a multivariate regression analysis, revision surgery, allergic subject and diagnosis of a malignant tumor were significant independent risk factors to predict a recurrence. Older age and longer time of surgery were significant independent risk factors for a complication.

This population based analysis is showing that modern paranasal sinus surgery is performed in high incidence, effectively and with low-risk on a large scale in daily routine of rhinologic surgeons.