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Published on: January 17, 2018
A Novel International Endoscopic Sphenoid Surgery Classification (IESSC): A Delphi Consensus
Hussain Albaharna1, Abdulaziz Alrasheed2, Abdulaziz AlQahtani3,4
1Department of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Advancements in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery created a need for standardized terminology to describe sphenoid sinus surgery. Although classification systems exist for other sinuses, one for endoscopic sphenoid sinus surgery is lacking. Developing such a system would standardize procedure descriptions and promote a common language among surgeons. This study aimed to develop a new classification system for endoscopic sphenoid surgery.
Methods:
Consensus on a novel endoscopic sphenoid surgery classification system by running the Delphi procedure with 16 rhinology experts from around the world.
Results:
Four Delphi rounds were required to reach a consensus on all stages of the classification. The average percentage of agreement on the stages of classification progressively increased from 70.83% in the first round to 87.68% in the last round. The rejection rates continuously decreased from 8.81% in the first round to 4.44% in the last round. The classification system was developed as follows: stage 1, presphenoid surgery; stage 2A, partial sphenoidotomy; stage 2B, complete sphenoidotomy; stage 2C, transpterygoid sphenoidotomy; stage 3A, Rostral sphenoidectomy; and stage 3B, extended sphenoid drill-out.
Conclusions:
This novel endoscopic sphenoid surgery classification system facilitates the description of different sphenoid sinus procedures, providing surgeons with better opportunities for discussion and communication.
