[Aspects of frontal sinus surgery. III: Indications and results of osteoplastic frontal sinus operation]

The osteoplastic approach is indicated for frontal sinus surgery if optimal exposure of the entire frontal sinus is required for possibly complete removal of the mucous membrane and sinus obliteration. In a retrospective study we evaluated 75 patients whose osteoplastic frontal sinus operations were performed in Fulda between 1979 and 1992 and examined indications for surgery, complications and outcome. All patients were examined clinically and subjective complaints were recorded. Indications for surgery were trauma (43), acute and chronic infections (19), tumors (11) and sinus pneumatoceles (2). The overall aesthetic and functional outcome was excellent. Revision was necessary in one only patient, who had forced air into his frontal sinus by nose-blowing too early to create a threat of infection. No serious complications occurred, such as surgery-related meningeal injury or impaired or double vision. One patient needed a blood transfusion because of hemorrhage due to operation (1.3%). The main advantage of the coronal incision used was preservation of the supraorbital nerve bundle without subsequent nerve dysfunctions. Besides optimal exposure of the whole frontal sinus, precise replacement of the osteoplastic flap and choice of incision also lead to a good aesthetic result.