Transfrontal Endoscopic Management of Frontal Recess Disease

Abstract

The frontal sinus outflow tract can be a difficult area from which to adequately and safely remove bony and/or disease obstructions. A combined endoscopic transfrontal trephination and intranasal endoscopic approach allows a safe and more confident identification and removal of obstructions from the frontal sinus outflow tract. A catheter is placed from the frontal sinus into the nose and left in place for 4–6 weeks before being removed intranasally. Complications have been few and easily treated, and the results in nine patients have been good, with patients being asymptomatic and requiring no antibiotics. This technique allows the safe and accurate identification of structures in a potentially anatomically difficult area and facilitates removal of bone and disease obstructions.