Frontal Sinus Surgery for the General Otolaryngologist

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Frontal sinus surgery is a challenging aspect of the operative care for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The anatomic variability, need for angled dissection, proximity to critical structures and narrow confines of the frontal recess represent obstacles to performance of a safe and complete dissection. Adding to the evolving complexity of surgical management of frontal sinus disease are the expanding indications for advanced endoscopic approaches including the Draf IIb and III procedures. As comprehensive otolaryngologists and rhinologist continue to refine the management strategies for CRS, the ability to preform successful surgery on the frontal recess remains paramount. This course presents a expert discussion of the various surgical approaches to the frontal sinus. A framework of the relevant anatomic and radiologic principles will be reviewed including demonstration of the frontal recess variations and how to translate preoperative imaging to a surgical plan. Operative principles, techniques, and instrumentation for endoscopic, balloon and open approaches will be discussed in detail. Surgical videos demonstrating the different procedures will be narrated by the expert panel. A case-based discussion of surgical decision making for the spectrum of inflammatory frontal sinus disease will be presented, including determining the correct approach for a given disease pattern. The primary emphasis of the panel discussion will be to provide a practical and clinically focused foundation in performing effective frontal sinus surgery.