Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Theory and Diagnostic Evaluation

TLDR

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery relies on understanding paranasal sinus disease mechanisms and accurate diagnosis. Systematic nasal endoscopy combined with high‑resolution CT yields complementary diagnostics that reveal otherwise undetectable sinus problems. Careful diagnostic evaluation now identifies previously unrecognized causes of acute and chronic sinusitis, enabling corrective functional endoscopic surgery and opening new therapeutic possibilities. Arch Otolaryngol 1985;111:576‑582.

Abstract

• The keys to functional endoscopic sinus surgery are an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of paranasal sinus disease and the ability to diagnose the causes accurately. Previously unrecognized causes of recurrent acute sinusitis and of chronic sinus symptomatology can now be identified by careful diagnostic evaluation. Systematic nasal endoscopy and high-resolution computed tomographic imaging provide complementary diagnostic information that can allow for the recognition of problems not identifiable by other means. The ability to diagnose these problems and to correct them with functional endoscopic surgery heralds new possibilities in the field. (<i>Arch Otolaryngol</i>1985;111:576-582)