Endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyps in children: results

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) was performed on 21 children with nasal polyps, who had a total of 34 operations, on 65 sides. Retrospectively, we reviewed the pre-operative symptoms, pre-operative findings and results of FESS. The diagnoses were made with anterior rhinoscopy and CT scan. Allergy could be confirmed in 24%. Half of the children (52%) had been previously operated on because of nasal polyps. They had more recurrences and worse results than children who underwent primary FESS. The subjective results were good in 77% with a mean follow-up of more than two years. However, a poor correlation between subjective and objective results was noted. Minor complications were seen in 9.2% of 65 sides operated on. The specific advantages of FESS in children are discussed.