ABSTRACT
The surgical treatment of sinus disease has changed dramatically over the past 20 years in the United States and nearly 30 years in Europe. In the past, otolaryngologists relied on using the nasal speculum and a headlight to diagnose and treat diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Such an examination only allowed for viewing of the anterior components of the nose, and the observer was unable to adequately view the paranasal sinuses or their ostia. For improved visualization and more thorough treatment, open approaches were the only option. There has also been a conceptual shift away from attempting to surgically exenterate the disease within the paranasal sinuses to simply opening specific areas in order to improve sinus function and allow better aeration and drainage. The amount of tissue removed during sinus surgery is minimized now, and the surgeon relies on opening key functional areas to restore the normal physiology within the paranasal sinuses, which thereby helps to reverse the disease.
