J Rhinol.  2010 May;17(1):13-19.

Prevention of the Lateral Synechia Formation after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

• Lee JY

Abstract

The aims of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) are to remove pathologic mucosa and to restore sinus ventilation. Lateralization of the middle turbinate with scarring and obstruction of the middle meatus is the most common complication after ESS. Lateralization of the middle turbinate and synechia with the lateral nasal wall may cause obstruction of the outflow from the ethmoid, maxillary, and frontal sinuses after ESS. As a consequence, the probability of recurrence increases, necessitating further surgery. Therefore, various techniques for the prevention of synechia and the medialization of the middle turbinate have been described. This review will present several methods for prevention of lateral synechia, along with their advantages and disadvantages, with a review of the literature.

Keyword

Endoscopic sinus surgery; Complication; Synechia; Prevention; Middle turbinate; Lateral nasal wall

MeSH Terms

Cicatrix
Frontal Sinus
Mucous Membrane
Recurrence
Turbinates
Ventilation