RESUMO
The frontal sinus medial drainage -Draf Type III (modified endoscopic Lothrop) procedure, has become a cornerstone in frontal sinus surgery over the last three decades. Despite its widespread acceptance, challenges such as restenosis and neo-ostium closure persist, prompting the exploration of various preventive techniques. In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from 111 patients who underwent the Draf III procedure between November 2015 and November 2023, with a mean follow-up period of 3 years and 11 months. Approximately two-thirds of patients (64%) had undergone previous sinus surgery and 16% a previous Draf III. Over half of the patients had inflammatory conditions, with the majority being chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) (46%), while 15% were diagnosed with malignant sinonasal tumors, and 23% with benign sinonasal tumors, of which the commonest was osteoma, accounting for 14 cases. The mean follow-up period was 3 years and 11 months. We focused on evaluating the efficacy of mucosal flaps and free grafts in preventing neo-ostium closure. Although it appears that there is no statistically significant correlation between flap usage and the need for revision surgery or ostium patency maintenance overall, subgroup analysis highlighted the benefits of flap reconstruction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. In this subgroup, the use of flaps or grafts reduced the rate of neo-ostium stenosis from 20% to 0% (p < 0.05). Overall revision rate was 11.7%-however this was 8% in patients without acute inflammation at the time of surgery and went up to 31% in the presence of pus in the frontal recess (p = 0.02). This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into long-term outcomes, the enduring effectiveness of interventions in frontal sinus surgery, and especially the importance of taking into account the underlying pathology when assessing long-term outcomes.
RESUMO
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Benign bony lesions of the craniofacial complex are relatively common. However, their location close to critical neurovascular structures may render their treatment, if required, highly challenging.This article reviews the current literature on their pathophysiology, diagnosis, natural course and treatment, with a focus on most recent findings. RECENT FINDINGS: A new classification has been suggested concerning endoscopic resectability. The ratio of lateral frontal to interorbital distance can accurately and reliably predict the endoscopic reach to lateral frontal sinus, while orbital transposition can assist us in reaching lateral frontal sinus when anatomy is unfavorable. New and combined endoscopic transnasal and transorbital approaches are now in the surgical armamentarium. Prophylactic optic nerve decompression in fibrous dysplasia is absolutely contraindicated as it leads to worse visual outcomes. Radiotherapy of such lesions is of no benefit and may lead to a higher risk of malignant transformation. The presence of Guanine Nucleotide binding protein Alpha Stimulating (GNAS) mutation in chromosome 20 is universally present in fibrous dysplasia and can differentiate them from ossifying fibromas. SUMMARY: Diagnosis and therapeutic management of benign craniofacial bone lesions remains challenging. If surgical treatment is contemplated, the morbidity of the intervention should always be weighed against the potential benefits. Evolution of extended endoscopic endonasal and transorbital surgery means that more lesions can be reached purely endoscopically with better oncological and cosmetic results.