Routine radiological examination of the sinuses before septoplasty

Records of septoplasties performed during the last five years were reviewed with the aim of evaluating the results of routine pre-operative radiological examination of the sinuses. A positive correlation was found between the information of sinusitis within the last two years and the radiological finding of complete density or fluid. The roentgenograms showed normal conditions in 73 per cent of the cases and various degrees of pathology in 27 per cent; no case showed signs of malignancy. Puncture and irrigation or sinoscopy had been performed in 52 per cent of the cases with pathological X-rays. Following this treatment, surgery was postponed in 12 patients, and in nine patients a drainage tube was placed in the maxillary sinus peroperatively. Complications developed post-operatively in five of these nine patients and it is concluded that septoplasty should have been postponed. We find that it is important to identify the four per cent (12 + 9) of patients in whom the radiological findings are so pronounced that operation ought to be postponed.