[History of frontal sinus surgery and current view of the problem. Part 2]. / Istoriya khirurgii lobnoi pazukhi i sovremennyi vzglyad na problemu. Chast' 2.

Surgical treatment of inflammatory diseases of the frontal sinus is one of the biggest challenges of modern otorhinolaryngology. Close proximity of the frontal sinus and frontal sinus drainage pathways to the skull base, the orbit and the anterior ethmoid artery, great limitations with its visualization and instrumentation, and high risk of the frontal recess scarring cause difficulties in either endoscopic or external approaches to the frontal sinus. At the same time endoscopic approach to the frontal sinus is considered as preferred method of frontal sinusitis surgical treatment by majority of peers nowadays. The introduction of extended approaches to the frontal sinus pathology treatment with frontal sinus floor and interfrontal sinus septum drill-out as well as superior septectomy with common drainage pathway formation gave an opportunity to greatly decrease a rate of indications for external frontal sinus procedures. In this paper historical backgrounds of endonasal approaches to frontal sinuses are presented, current controversies in proper selection of extent and methods of the frontal sinus surgery are analyzed and endoscopic as well as external approaches to frontal sinuses are summarized.

Frontal sinus obliteration with beta-tricalcium phosphate putty: case series with long-term radiological follow up.

OBJECTIVES: Frontal sinus obliteration is often performed using fat, autologous bone or a range of synthetic materials. This paper reports the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of frontal sinus obliteration using beta-tricalcium phosphate putty. METHODS: A retrospective audit was performed of patients who underwent frontal sinus obliteration with beta-tricalcium phosphate putty. Patient-, disease- and procedure-related data were collected. Pre- and post-operative computed tomography scans were reviewed to assess bone integration. RESULTS: Four patients underwent frontal sinus obliteration using beta-tricalcium phosphate putty for treatment of a cerebrospinal leak, mucocele and recalcitrant frontal sinusitis. All patients had disease resolution, with no intra- or post-operative complications reported in the 16.5-month follow up. Post-operative computed tomography scans confirmed native bone obliteration of the frontonasal ducts in all patients. CONCLUSION: Beta-tricalcium phosphate putty is a safe and effective option for bone obliteration of the frontal sinus in a range of pathologies, including cerebrospinal fluid leak.

[A case report of large supra bulla frontal cell infection and literature review].

Chronic sinusitis （CRS） is one of the most common nasal diseases, and FSDP is a risk factor for CRS. The variation of the frontal recess cell obstructs the frontal sinus drainage pathway, which makes the frontal sinus surgery more difficult and a higher recurrence rate than other sinus surgeries. Therefore, before surgery, a thin-slice CT scan is performed on the patient to fully evaluate the anatomical structure and drainage pathway of the frontal sinus, and to understand the variation of FSDP cell is crucial for accurate opening of the frontal sinus. In this paper, A case of large supra bulla frontal cell infection was summarized and analyzed. The anatomical structure of the frontal recess was fully understood by preoperative radiographs, the spatial relationship between the cells was identified, and the appropriate surgical plan was developed, which was beneficial for the surgeon to accurately open the frontal cortex during surgery and avoid postoperative recurrence.

Management of frontal sinus fungal osteomyelitis in the COVID 19 era: A case series.

The aim of this study was to review different approaches and outcomes in the management of post-COVID-19 frontal sinus fungal osteomyelitis. The study included 19 patients with frontal sinus fungal osteomyelitis. The main line of treatment was surgical debridement (sequestrectomy). Approaches included combined external and endoscopic approaches (n = 15) and pure endoscopic approaches (n = 4) according to the extent and accessibility of the sequestrum. Postoperative healing was satisfactory in all patients. All patients returned to their normal daily activity within 4-6 weeks, without residual or recurrent frontal sinus infection, osteomyelitis or need for revision procedures. Within the limitation of this case series, it seems that there is no need to adopt a new therapy regimen for treatment of frontal sinus fungal osteomyelitis because the conventional and well-known treatment approach combining surgery and antifungal drugs seems to work well. However, early, and adequate debridement and sequestrectomy is crucial. Furthermore, an open approach may be required according to the extent of osteomyelitis.

[The efficacy of the extended endoscopic frontal sinus drill-out in cases of repeatedly operated polypous-purulent pansinusitis accompanied by a whistle in the front wall of the frontal sinus]. / Effektivnost' rasshirennoi endonazal'noi endoskopicheskoi frontotomii pri mnogokratno operirovannom khronicheskom polipozno-gnoinom pansinusite, oslozhnennom formirovaniem svishcha perednei stenki lobnoi pazukhi.

Treatment of patients with severe chronic and recurrent forms of frontal sinusitis, often caused by scarring as a result of repeated interventions in the frontal sinuses, is a difficult task. In such cases, for adequate drainage of the frontal sinus and ensuring stable patency of the nasolabial anastomosis, an endoscopic extended frontotomy can be the choice operation, the possibility of which certainly depends on the experience of the surgeon, anatomical features of the structure of the frontal sinus and the nature of the pathological process. The article shows the effectiveness of surgical treatment of chronic purulent frontal sinusitis that developed after 5 interventions on the paranasal sinuses with external and combined access, accompanied by the development of a fistulous passage of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus. For wide drainage of the frontal sinus and stable preservation of patency of the nasolabial fistula, the patient underwent extended endoscopic frontotomy (Draf III operation according to the international classification).

Pott Puffy Tumor Caused by Dental Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review.

ABSTRACT: Pott puffy tumor (PPT), first described by Sir Percivall Pott in 1760, is a rare clinical entity characterized by a subperiosteal abscess associated with osteomyelitis of the frontal bone caused by direct or hematogenous spread. Although rare in this modern age of antibiotics, this tumor usually occurs as a complication of sinusitis. Moreover, intracranial complications such as subdural abscess, meningitis, sinus thrombosis, or brain abscess can occur concomitantly with the underlying sinusitis, despite the administration of antibiotics. Herein, we present the case of a 48-year-old man who was diagnosed with PPT using computed tomography and treated medically and surgically. The infection remained uncontrollable after surgery and drain removal, owing to the persistence of the original dental focus of the infection. This case highlights the importance of treating the source of the infection in addition to the local area of inflammation, to facilitate complete infection control in PPT.

Assessment of the necessity of frontal sinostomy in cases of frontal sinusitis associated with fungus ball of the maxillary sinus.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate outcomes in patients presenting with fungus ball of the maxillary sinus (MSFB) and frontal sinusitis who were treated via middle meatal antrostomy alone. METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled study with a parallel group design. Patients with MSFB and frontal sinusitis were randomly assigned to the maxillary middle meatal antrostomy (MMMA) or control (MMMA + frontal sinusotomy) groups. Patient demographics, complaints, imaging findings were analyzed, and surgical outcomes were evaluated using the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score (LKES) and the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 40 patients were separated into two groups, with similar symptoms including nasal obstruction, mucopurulent rhinorrhea, maxillary or frontal pain, blood stained nasal discharge, nasal cacosmia and orbital pain being observed in both groups. Total LKES and SNOT-22 scores were significantly improved in both groups at 6 months post-treatment, with no significant differences in these scores between groups within a mean 6.8-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that frontal sinusotomy is not required to resolve frontal sinusitis associated with MSFB. As such frontal sinusitis appears to be a reactive process caused by fungal ball obstruction, it regresses spontaneously following fungus ball removal, drainage of the maxillary sinus, and middle meatal antrostomy.

Revision endoscopic frontal sinus surgery for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis via modified agger nasi approach.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical effects of revision endoscopic frontal sinus surgery (RESS) through modified agger nasi (MAN)-middle turbinate resection on refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). METHODS: We reviewed 156 patients who were treated for refractory CRS from February 2012 to August 2014. These patients had been diagnosed with refractory CRS by computed tomography and endoscopy and had received several surgical and medical treatments in the past, but their condition had not been cured. They were divided into the observation group (RESS through MAN-middle turbinate resection, n = 78) and the control group (endoscopic sinus surgery, n = 78). Complete or partial control of the patient's symptoms and signs suggested that the treatment was effective, and no improvement in the symptoms and signs indicated that the treatment was ineffective. RESULTS: The 6-month treatment efficacy rate was significantly higher in the observation group (91.03%) than in the control group (71.79%). The observation group had a significantly lower complication rate (7.69%) and recurrence rate (3.85%) than the control group (17.95% and 12.82%, respectively). CONCLUSION: RESS through MAN-middle turbinate resection together with adequate perioperative preparation has a significant effect on the outcome of refractory CRS and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Comparison between the endoscopic scores of bolgerization versus partial resection of the middle turbinate for management of the postoperative lateralization in the early follow-up period after endoscopic frontal sinusotomy: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Frontal sinusotomy is a challenging procedure that needs meticulous handling due to its unique anatomical position. Postoperative middle turbinate lateralization is critical comorbidity for the success rate, and many techniques are adopted to prevent it. The study aimed to compare the effect of middle turbinate bolgerization and partial resection on the postoperative endoscopic scores and assess their impact on the middle meatus and the frontal recess outcome. PATIENT AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on forty-one patients undergoing bilateral frontal sinusotomy for chronic frontal sinusitis. Nasal cavities were randomized so that partial middle turbinate resection technique was done alternately with bolgerization approach in every patient. Each participant acted as their control. Both sides were compared using Lund Kennedy Endoscopic Score (LKES) and Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy Score (POSE) at the baseline, 1st, 3rd, and 12th-month intervals postoperatively. Also, middle turbinate status was assessed at the end of the 12th-month interval using POSE score. RESULTS: The total frontal sinus patency rate was 82.9% (63/76 operated sinus). Baseline scores, LKES (3.79 ± 0.777 vs 4.05 ± 0.769, p = 0.142, for the side of resection and the side for bolgerization respectively) and POSE (1.79 ± 0.413 vs 1.82 ± 0.393, p = 0.777, for the side of resection and the side for bolgerization respectively). Regarding LKES, the differences between both operated sides were fluctuating with p values: 0.001*, 0.171, and 0.044* for the 1st, 3rd, and 12th months follow-up intervals, respectively. Regarding the POSE score of the frontal sinus, the difference between both groups was steadily increasing with p values: 0.318, 0.119, and 0.017* for the 1st, 3rd, and 12th months follow-up intervals. The middle turbinate's POSE score at the 12th month was significantly higher in the side allocated for bolgerization (p-value = 0.008*). CONCLUSION: Partial middle turbinate resection showed favorable endoscopic outcomes than bolgerization at the 12th month follow up period in patients undergoing primary ESS for chronic frontal sinusitis.

The impact of bolgerization versus partial resection of the middle turbinate on frontal sinusotomy patency outcome: A randomised controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effects of middle turbinate resection vs bolgerization on the incidence of middle meatus synechia and their prognostic value on the patency outcomes after frontal sinusotomy. DESIGN: A randomised controlled study. SETTING: Tertiary centre hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thirty-eight patients undergoing bilateral frontal sinusotomy for chronic frontal sinusitis were included. Partial middle turbinate resection was alternated with bolgerization in both nasal cavities of every patient. The Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores (LKESs) for both sides were compared at the first, third and sixth months postoperatively. Middle meatus synechia was assessed using the visual analogue score (VAS). Sinus patency was assessed at the end of the sixth month using a 70° nasal endoscope. RESULTS: The sinus patency outcome was significantly higher in the resected group (34\38) than the bolgerized group (26\38), (P = .047*). The VAS scores suggested that the middle turbinate bolgerization group showed a significantly higher incidence of middle meatal synechia than the partial middle turbinate resection group (4.47 ± 2.617 vs 3.29 ± 2.301; P = .040*). CONCLUSION: Middle turbinate resection showed more favourable results than bolgerization concerning the sinus patency outcome after frontal sinusotomy. It also showed a lower incidence of middle meatus synechia postoperatively.

The preoperative radiological findings associated with failure of frontal sinusotomy: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the association between the preoperative CT findings and the patency outcome of the frontal sinus after endoscopic frontal sinusotomy in the early follow-up period. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital centre. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study measures the association between the frontal sinusotomy outcome and the standard preoperative radiological scores, including Harvard, Kennedy and Lund-Mackay. It also measures the impact of the degree of sinus mucosal thickness on the outcome. Furthermore, it measures the effect of the anteroposterior lengths of both the frontal sinus ostium and the frontal recess on postoperative frontal sinus patency. RESULTS: Harvard, Kennedy and modified Lund-Mackay scores showed no evidence of association with the frontal sinusotomy patency outcome (P-values .397, .487 and .501), respectively. Still, the Lund-Mackay score showed a negative correlation with symptom improvement. Sinuses with a high-grade mucosal thickness on CT scan were associated with high failure rates (P-value: .009*). The anteroposterior length of the frontal sinus ostium significantly affects the outcome (P-value: .001*). In contrast, there was no association between the anteroposterior length of the frontal recess and the outcome (P-value: .965). CONCLUSION: The Harvard, Kennedy and Lund-Mackay scores could not predict the frontal sinusotomy patency outcome. Failed cases were associated with advanced degrees of mucosal pathology in the preoperative CT scan. Sinuses ostia with anteroposterior diameters less than 5.36 mm showed more susceptibility for sinus restenosis postoperatively. The variability of the anteroposterior length of the frontal recess did not affect the surgical outcome.

The prognostic variables affecting the frontal sinusotomy patency outcome and how to manage: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the factors affecting the frontal sinus patency after endoscopic frontal sinusotomy. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary centre hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fifty patients with refractory chronic frontal sinusitis (83 operated frontal sinuses) had frontal sinusotomy and followed up for six months. Multiple operative factors were included the type of the procedure, intraoperative sinus findings, degree of mucosal preservation and middle turbinate stability. Other factors were also assessed, including smoking, the presence of allergic rhinitis, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux and other associated medical comorbidities. RESULTS: The sinus patency success rate was 75.9%. There was a significant difference regarding the intraoperative anteroposterior sinus ostium diameter (5.36 ± 1.45 mm vs 8.88 ± 2.38 mm, P-value: .001* in the failed group and the success group, respectively). There was a significant association between the patency outcome and the presence of associated medical comorbidities (P-value: .001*), the presence of allergic rhinitis (P-value: .001*), the degree of sinus mucosal preservation (P-value: .012*) and the degree of middle turbinate stability (P-value: .001*). The multivariate analysis showed that the intraoperative anteroposterior diameter of the sinus ostium, middle turbinate stability and presence of allergic rhinitis were significant predictors (P-value: .012*, .042* and .013*, respectively). CONCLUSION: Sinuses with anteroposterior ostium diameters less than 5.36 mm are more susceptible to restenosis. The flail middle turbinate increases the risk of postoperative middle meatus synechia and frontal sinus patency failure. The presence of allergic rhinitis has a negative impact on the patency outcome.

Frontal Sinus Drainage in Acute Pediatric Sinusitis With Intracranial Complications.

BACKGROUND: The indication for frontal sinus drainage is uncertain when managing pediatric acute sinusitis with intracranial complications. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to determine if addressing the frontal sinus reduced need for subsequent surgical procedures in children presenting with acute sinusitis complicated by intracranial abscess. METHODS: A case series with chart review was performed at a tertiary children's hospital between 2007 and 2019. Children under 18 years of age requiring surgery for complicated acute sinusitis that included the frontal sinus with noncontiguous intracranial abscess were included. Outcomes were compared among children for whom the frontal sinus was drained endoscopically, opened intracranially, or left undrained. RESULTS: Thirty-five children with a mean age of 11.1 years (95% CI: 9.9-12.3) met inclusion. Most presented with epidural abscess (37%). Hospitalizations lasted 12.9 days (95% CI: 10.2-15.5), 46% required a second surgery, 11% required three or more surgeries, and 31% were readmitted within 60 days. Initial surgery for 29% included endoscopic frontal sinusotomy, 34% had a frontal sinus cranialization and 37% did not have any initial drainage of the frontal sinus. Groups were similar with respect to demographics, severity of infection, need for repeat surgery, length of stay, and readmissions (p > .05). Further, persistence of cranial neuropathies, seizures, or major neurological sequelae after discharge were no different among groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Drainage of the frontal sinus, when technically feasible, was not associated with reduced surgical procedures or increased complications and there is unclear benefit on measured clinical outcomes.

Complicated acute frontal sinusitis in a child presenting with acute ischemic stroke.

Acute stroke as a complication of sinusitis is exceedingly rare, and even more so in children. Here we present the case of a healthy 9-year-old male who had an acute stroke in the setting of severe acute pansinusitis. The patient was started on parenteral antibiotics and underwent urgent endoscopic sinus surgery and adenoidectomy, ultimately making a full neurologic recovery. Of the previously reported cases of stroke as a complication of sinusitis, all showed evidence of carotid artery pathology. This is the first report to our knowledge of acute sinusitis presenting as stroke with normal arterial anatomy and function.

Clinical and Radiologic Characterization of Frontal Sinusitis in the Pediatric Population.

INTRODUCTION: Frontal sinusitis in the pediatric population is a disease that has not been thoroughly studied or characterized. The goals of this study are to characterize the clinical presentation, radiologic variables, treatment modalities, complications, and prognosis associated with acute and chronic frontal sinus disease in the pediatric population. METHODS: IRB-approved retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with acute (AFS) or chronic frontal sinusitis (CFS) and underwent frontal sinus surgery at a tertiary level Children's Hospital from 2006 to 2016. Patients with AFS were compared to patients with CFS. Statistical analysis completed using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, statistical significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients with AFS and 15 patients with CFS were analyzed. There was a male predominance in AFS and female predominance in CFS (P < .05).AFS patients were less likely to have allergies, prior sinus disease, or significant comorbidities (P < .05).Additionally, AFS patients presented with constitutional, neurologic, and ocular symptoms. The CFS group had predominantly sinonasal symptoms. CT-scan analysis showed that AFS patients had higher prevalence of complex frontal anatomy (Type-II cells, concha bullosa) compared with CFS patients (P < .05). Culture results were positive in 78% of the AFS group, with S. Anginosus (53%), Anaerobes (20%), and normal flora (17%). In the CFS group cultures were positive in 60% of the patients, 56% grew normal flora, 13% H. Influenzae, 6.5% Pseudomonas, and 24.5% other species. CFS patients were more likely to have persistent sinus disease and require repeat sinus procedures (P < .05). CONCLUSION: There are 2 distinct presentations of frontal sinus disease in the pediatric population. Patients with AFS vary significantly from those with CFS. Males, ages 13 to 18 years old, who cultured positive for S. Anginosus (former S.Milleri) dominated the AFS subgroup. Whereas as female patients with a history of allergic rhinitis and muco-cilliary disease were more prominent in the CRS subgroup. Correct identification and understanding of these 2 different entities are crucial for the appropriate short and long-term patient management.

Pott's puffy tumour of the frontal and Parietal bones with subgaleal abscess as a complication of acute sinusitis - a case report.

Acute sinusitis is a frequent medical condition that can affect any age group and may lead infrequently to very serious life-threatening complications. These complications include the spread of infection to frontal and other cranial bones, meninges, and other intracranial structures that require urgent medical actions to prevent mortality and morbidity. We report the case of acute frontal sinusitis in a 14 years old male who presented with fever, severe headache, and fluctuant swelling of the nasal root, and right supraorbital and frontoparietal regions. Imaging studies demonstrated signs of left-sided sinusitis, osteomyelitis of the frontal bones, and right parietal bone. Urgent surgery was performed with drainage of the abscesses and samples were sent for culture and sensitivity. Bilateral antral washout and trephination of the left frontal sinus was performed and pus was evacuated. Growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Peptostreptococcus micros was reported and according to the sensitivity report, the patient was kept on intravenous meropenem, 1500 mg per day and vancomycin 1500 mg per day was added on the 7th postoperative day. The patient was discharged from the hospital in good health on the 25th postoperative day and kept on oral vancomycin for one month.

Possible Skull Base Erosion After Prolonged Frontal Sinus Stenting.

Frontal sinus stenting is widely used with the goal of maintaining nasofrontal duct patency after sinus surgery. The general recommendation is to leave stents in place for 6 months; however, prolonged stenting up to 6 years has been reported with no complication. We present the first reported case of frontal sinus posterior table and skull base erosion following prolonged frontal sinus stenting. A 57-year-old female presented with chronic sinusitis and nasal obstruction. Imaging revealed pansinusitis with retained stents in each frontal sinus that were placed 8 years prior. On the right, there was an area of skull base erosion at the tip of the stent. The patient underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery with polypectomy. The stents were removed, revealing posterior table erosion on the right side but intact mucosa. Two months after surgery, there were no signs or symptoms of cerebrospinal fluid leak or other complications. Recent literature has suggested that prolonged stenting is safe; however, this case highlights a complication with potentially serious outcomes that can result from prolonged stenting. We recommend stent removal once stable nasofrontal duct patency has been achieved. If prolonged stenting is utilized, patients should be closely monitored and consideration should be given to periodic imaging to evaluate stent position.