Mumbai, January 30, 2010- Those suffering from chronic sinusitis (or rhinosinusitis) – persistent and recurrent inflammation in the nasal passages – know the agony involved. Now a study proposes the use of a minimally invasive surgical procedure to relive the symptoms.
Speaking about the study, the study, which was carried out by the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), principal investigator Dr Timothy L Smith, said the research showed how minimally invasive endoscopic surgery could significantly help those affected by sinusitis live a better life.
A 56-year-old patient at the OHSU who underwent the surgery explained how for eight years he put up with chronic sinus infections that caused him symptoms such as facial pain and headaches, forcing him to down antibiotics and remain in bed. He said the surgery made a great difference to his life as the infection did not recur. Typically, chronic sinusitis causes chronic congestion and drainage, along with other debilitating symptoms such as headaches, pain, sneezing, and pressure in the respiratory passages.
The study sought to assess how many people who underwent endoscopic surgery for chronic sinusitis experienced adequate improvement as a result of it. The researchers, relying on validated, sinusitis-specific diagnostic measurements and tools, intended to study which of the patients would derive maximum benefits from surgery.
A total of 302 subjects with chronic sinusitis were included in the study, which was carried out between July 2004 and December 2008. The patients were tracked for 18 months after the surgery. The result was that up to 76 percent of the subjects showed an improved quality of life with reduced pain and improved ability to function socially. The findings have been published in the latest issue of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
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