Current utilization of balloon dilation versus endoscopic techniques in pediatric sinus surgery

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Balloon catheter dilation (BCD) offers a minimally invasive approach for sinus surgery.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the traditional standard for pediatric sinonasal procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the utilization, costs, and operating room (OR) time of BCD versus ESS in pediatric patients.
• To identify factors influencing the choice between BCD and ESS in children.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing BCD or ESS.
• Data sourced from State Ambulatory Surgery Databases (2011) in four US states.
• Bivariate and multivariate analyses examined patient demographics, charges, and OR time.

Main Results:

• BCD was used in 11.9% of pediatric sinus surgeries.
• Children with asthma, allergic rhinitis, GERD, or undergoing adenoidectomy were more likely to receive BCD.
• BCD procedures incurred higher median charges ($2100-$4200 more) than ESS for maxillary antrostomy.
• OR time was similar for maxillary antrostomy but longer for BCD with adenoidectomy.

Conclusions:

• BCD utilization in pediatric sinus surgery is associated with increased costs and no reduction in OR time compared to ESS.
• Further investigation is required to determine if BCD offers improved outcomes or long-term cost-effectiveness for pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis.