The evolution of functional endoscopie sinus surgery in the commonwealth of Virginia

This is the largest retrospective analysis of sinus surgery ever reported involving 5,860 surgical as well as 6,769 diagnostic sinus procedures during a six year period, 1988-1993. During this time interval, the frequency of endoscopie procedures has increased dramatically. Because of the increased frequency of this procedure, we see the need for strict definition of the clinical indications for surgery for patients with chronic or acute sinusitis. In addition, the number of open procedures, namely the Caldwell-Luc procedure, as a treatment for sinusitis remained relatively constant despite the frequent use of endoscopie technique. Because of the endoscopie surgery's increased acceptance and advantages over the open surgical technique, we emphasize the need for continuing educational programs to train surgeons to perform the endoscopie procedure or referral of the patient to an otolaryngologist experienced in this technique.