Frontal sinus stents: how long can they be kept in?

Abstract

In this series, long-term frontal stents (defined as those left in for longer than 3 months) have been safely left in situ for an average of 16.3 months. Benefits include relative ease of placement and good patient tolerance. Disadvantages include periodic stent replacement from dislodgement or obstruction, the occasional need for suctioning to maintain patency, and the potential for stent migration into the frontal sinus. One of 11 patients had a failure of symptom control, requiring additional frontal sinus surgery.