[Current aspects of frontal sinus surgery. II: External frontal sinus operation--osteoplastic approach]

Most inflammatory diseases of the frontal sinus requiring surgery can now be managed successfully by endonasal procedures. There remain, however, a number of problematic cases in which optimal exposure of the entire frontal sinus is required with possible complete removal of the mucous membrane and sinus obliteration. These remain indications for osteoplastic frontal sinus surgery. Depending on the individual situation, incisions can be chosen that are bicoronal, placed in a frontal crease or positioned below the eye-brow. Surgical techniques are described in detail. Osteoplastic surgery of the frontal sinus with fat obliteration is a reliable and safe method, particularly for management of so-called "difficult" frontal sinuses.