Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Complication of frontal sinusitis-Not amenable to endoscopic surgery
H Marfatia1, A Saha, M Kirtane
1Dept. of Otolaryngology, Seth G. S. Medical College & KEM Hospital, 22/85, Yeshwant Nagar, 400 012 Parel, Bombay.
Abstract:
Endoscopic sinus surgery has brought a change in the concept of treatment of sinus disease. Frontal sinusitis, however, still gives rise to intra and extracranial complication often musked by antibiotic intake. Where endoscopic surgery may fail to completely eradicate disease or even not be feasible due to various anatomic factors and other limitation. It is here that the tried and trusted external approach to the frontal sinus finds a role even today. Four such cases of various complication not amenable to endoscopic sinus surgery are presented here with the view of maintaining the necessity of keeping the external approach within the present day surgical palette when treating complication of frontal sinus disease.
Insights
Frontal sinusitis complications can be challenging for endoscopic sinus surgery. The traditional external approach remains essential for complex cases not treatable with minimally invasive techniques.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has transformed sinus disease treatment.
- Frontal sinusitis can lead to severe intra- and extracranial complications.
- Antibiotic use can mask symptoms, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the continued necessity of the external approach for frontal sinus complications.
- To present cases where ESS was not feasible or failed.
- To advocate for retaining external frontal sinus surgery in the surgical armamentarium.
Main Methods:
- Case series presentation.
- Review of four complex frontal sinusitis cases.
- Surgical intervention via external approach.
Main Results:
- Successful management of frontal sinusitis complications in four patients.
- Demonstration of ESS limitations due to anatomical factors and disease complexity.
- Validation of the external approach's efficacy in challenging scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The external approach to the frontal sinus remains a vital option for managing complex complications.
- ESS may not be suitable for all frontal sinusitis cases.
- Maintaining the external approach is crucial for comprehensive frontal sinus disease management.

