Radical surgery: Effect on quality of life and pain in chronic rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Objectives Despite effective medical therapy and repetitive endoscopic sinus surgery in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis, there still remains a small group of patients without improvement of symptoms. This study evaluates the effect of radical surgery on quality of life and pain in these patients with recalcitrant disease. Study Design A prospective, questionnaire-based study was conducted in 23 patients who underwent Denker's procedure for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis. Quality of life and pain were evaluated before surgery and 12 months and 2 years after surgery with the SF-36 and McGill Pain Questionnaire. Results Seven of the eight mean scores of the SF-36 postoperatively improved after surgery, with statistical significance for Role Physical (RP) P = 0.048. Bodily pain showed a strong tendency to significance. Results of the McGill Pain Questionnaire show a significant improvement in most of the subscores after surgery implying less pain. Conclusion Radical surgery improves the physical burden of chronic rhinosinusitis and pain experience in patients with therapy resistant chronic rhinosinusitis.