Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Acquired maxillary sinus hypoplasia: a consequence of endoscopic sinus surgery?
J R Kosko1, B E Hall, D E Tunkel
1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
Insights
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in young children may lead to maxillary sinus hypoplasia, impacting sinus development. Further research is needed to understand these effects on midfacial growth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Craniofacial Development
- Sinus Surgery Outcomes
Background:
- The impact of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on pediatric sinus and midfacial development is not well-established.
- Refractory sinusitis in young children necessitates surgical intervention, raising questions about long-term developmental effects.
Abstract:
The effects of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on sinus and midfacial development remain unclear. The authors report five children who, at a median age of 30 months, underwent FESS for refractory sinusitis. Three of the children had cystic fibrosis, and two had asthma. Preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scanning showed symmetric maxillary sinus development with varying degrees of mucosal disease. At a mean of 42 months after surgery, CT scans were obtained to evaluate recurrent symptoms in the five children. The scans showed unilateral maxillary hypoplasia in four children and bilateral maxillary sinus hypoplasia in one child. No child had clinically apparent facial asymmetry or midfacial hypoplasia. The authors also discuss the factors involved in maxillary sinus pneumatization, the possible effects of sinus surgery on sinus development, and the clinical implications of "acquired" maxillary sinus hypoplasia.
