Evolution in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Adjuvant Role of Reboot Surgery in Patients with Uncontrolled Nasal Symptoms of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Abstract

Purpose: In the era of precision medicine, target-therapy with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has enabled new treatment options in patients affected by eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Nevertheless, sometimes unsatisfactory results at a nasal level may be observed. The aim of this study is to describe reboot surgery as a potential adjuvant strategy in multi-operated, yet uncontrolled EGPA patients treated with Mepolizumab. Methods: We performed reboot surgery on EGPA patients with refractory CRSwNP. We obtained clinical data, nasal endoscopy, nasal biopsy, and symptom severity scores two months before surgery and 12 months after it. Computed tomography (CT) prior to surgery was also obtained. Results: Two patients were included in the study. Baseline sinonasal disease was severe. Systemic EGPA manifestations were under control, and the patients received previous mepolizumab treatment and previous surgery with no permanent benefits on sinonasal symptoms. Twelve months after surgery, nasal symptoms were markedly improved; endoscopy showed an absence of nasal polyps and there were fewer eosinophils at histology. Conclusions: We presented the first experience of two EGPA patients with refractory CRSwNP who underwent non-mucosa sparing (reboot) sinus surgery; our results support the possible adjuvant role of reboot surgery in this particular subset of patients.

Keywords

• eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
• reboot surgery
• rhinology
• eosinophils
• monoclonal antibody
• sinus surgery