American Rhinologic Society expert practice statement part 2: Postoperative precautions and management principles...

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Endoscopic skull base surgery is increasingly used for intradural pathologies.
• Postoperative care protocols lack standardization, leading to varied clinical practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize evidence and expert opinion on essential postoperative precautions following endoscopic skull base surgery.
• To provide clear clinical guidance for managing patients undergoing these procedures.

Main Methods:

• Development of an expert practice statement by the American Rhinologic Society.
• Utilized a modified Delphi approach to reach consensus on key postoperative care topics.
• Systematic review of existing literature on relevant precautions.

Main Results:

• Four consensus statements were developed regarding postoperative nasal hygiene, patient activity, CPAP resumption, and barotrauma exposure (e.g., air travel).
• Limited literature exists, highlighting the reliance on expert opinion for current recommendations.

Conclusions:

• The expert practice statement offers guidance to standardize postoperative care after endoscopic skull base surgery.
• Further research is needed to strengthen evidence-based recommendations for specific precautions.