Improving paranasal sinus computed tomography reporting prior to functional endoscopic sinus surgery - an ENT-UK...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) carries significant risks, including blindness and cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
• Pre-operative computed tomography (CT) is crucial for surgical planning, but radiological reports lack standardized guidance.
• Variability in CT report content can increase intra-operative risks for patients undergoing FESS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey practicing otolaryngologists to establish guidance for radiologists.
• To improve the surgical relevance of radiological reports for FESS.
• To enhance patient safety and reduce medicolegal issues associated with FESS.

Main Methods:

• A prospective questionnaire was distributed to 117 consultant members of the ENT-UK panel.
• The survey assessed the importance of specific anatomical areas and findings in CT scans for FESS.

Main Results:

• 29% of respondents felt uncomfortable interpreting all areas of CT scans.
• Key areas for reporting included ethmoid roof (dehiscence, asymmetry, angle), lamina papyracea (dehiscence), and sphenoid sinus (carotid canal dehiscence, optic nerve relationships).

Conclusions:

• Improved radiological reporting can enhance surgical safety in FESS, especially for non-specialist surgeons.
• Standardized guidance for CT reports can help prevent complications and medicolegal claims.
• This study provides a basis for creating more surgically relevant radiological reports for FESS.