Medical and Surgical Complications in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
James A. Stankiewicz, MD, Editor
In 1985, endoscopic diagnosis and surgery for rhinosinusitis were introduced into the United States by Drs David Kennedy and Heinz Stammburger. Surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis prior to this date mainly involved the treatment of nasal polyps or complications of chronic rhinosinusitis with external or nonendoscopic procedures. The endoscopic surgical management of the disease caught the imagination of the world community, and endoscopic sinus surgeons enthusiastically began performing surgery. However, in the initial description of the surgical procedures, minimal discussion was given to the risks and complications associated with the surgery. With the rush to perform surgery, some catastrophic orbital and brain injuries soon occurred. My first paper in 1987 on complications in endoscopic nasal and sinus surgery helped to alert the community to the risks of endoscopic sinus surgery. My second paper in 1989 discussed the learning curve necessary to avoid complications and perform safe surgery.
This issue of Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America is dedicated to looking at complications of the medical and surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. An overview of the topic is presented along with medical legal considerations. Specific complications are targeted with a discussion of pathophysiology, treatment, and avoidance. External procedures with the risks and complications are discussed and highlighted, especially for residents in training. Medical treatment is addressed with its risks and complications.
It is hoped this issue will be well received by the community of endoscopic sinus surgeons, causing further thought and understanding about complications. If in any way this issue can better elucidate the risks of surgery and diminish complications, then the publication will have provided our patients and their surgeons a positive service.
Finally, I acknowledge and thank the authors who participated in this issue. They have created a reference of high value.
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