Normalization of maxillary sinus mucosa after FESS. A prospective study of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps

To observe the normalization of antral mucosa after FESS, 71 patients suffering from chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps were enrolled in this study. Pre-operative profiles including history, allergy skin test, and saccharin time test were done. Endoscopic findings of the antral mucosa were divided into 3 groups: polyposis, oedema, and thickening. The time sequence required for normalization of the mucosa was observed through the antromeatal opening. A patient's history of more than seven years, a saccharin time longer than 36 min, and polyposis of antral mucosa are ominous signs for recovery. The most frequent endoscopic finding of maxillary sinusitis is oedema and many of the sinus units (42%) gained complete recovery during the third month. Pre-operative profiles and endoscopic findings during surgery can serve as a reference of recovery time and treatment modality.