Gender-specific differences in chronic rhinosinusitis patients electing endoscopic sinus surgery

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Outcomes
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects a significant patient population undergoing surgical intervention.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a common treatment for refractory CRS.
• Understanding gender-specific differences in CRS is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-specific differences in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
• To compare patient-reported outcomes and clinical characteristics between men and women undergoing ESS for CRS.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 272 CRS patients who underwent ESS between 2011 and 2013.
• Analysis of Lund-Mackay computed tomography (CT) scores and 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores.
• Comparison of outcomes based on gender, age, and CRS subtype (CRSsNP vs. CRSwNP).

Main Results:

• Women had significantly higher SNOT-22 scores (44.9 vs 39) and lower CT scores (10.1 vs 11.7) compared to men.
• Women reported worse postnasal drainage and embarrassment.
• Age-related declines in SNOT-22 scores were observed in both genders, but CT score reductions with age were only seen in men.

Conclusions:

• While similar numbers of men and women undergo ESS for CRS, women report a higher symptom burden.
• Women experienced more postnasal drainage, embarrassment, and facial pain.
• Gender disparities in CRS pathophysiology and treatment response require further investigation.