Importance of anatomical variations in endoscopic sinus surgery

Abstract

Objectives:Besides improvement in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in recent years, great advances have been achieved in imaging techniques of the paranasal sinus structures. Imaging of the paranasal structures by Computed tomography (CT) has a great importance in evaluation of the anatomical and pathological structures during surgery. Our goal in this study is to plan the management by determining the anatomic variations their frequencies and to prevent the complications that can be developed during surgery.Methods:In this study the anatomic variations in paranasal sinus CT of 100 patients who underwent ESS for chronic paranasal sinus disease were determined retrospectively.Results:Sphenoid sinus asymmetry was detected in all cases. Agger nasi (%46) and middle concha bullosa (%39) were the most frequently seen anatomical variations.Conclusion:Surgical complication rates of cases with anatomical variations are higher than the normal cases. In order to decrease possible morbidities; preoperative detection of anatomic variations is necessary.

Keywords

• anatomic variation
• paranasal sinus
• computed tomography.