Sphenoid marsupialization for chronic sphenoidal sinusitis.

Abstract

To review experience with sphenoid marsupialization and describe the technique using new instrumentation. Retrospective review of five cases of chronic sphenoid sinusitis that were resistant to standard medical and surgical methods, which were treated by sphenoid marsupialization. Charts were reviewed and patients were interviewed regarding postoperative resolution of symptoms. Five cases of recalcitrant sphenoid sinusitis were reviewed. All patients had headache before surgery, and two had visual disturbance. In follow-up ranging from 1 to 87 months, all were free of symptoms related to the sphenoid sinus. Marsupialization is an effective method of exteriorizing a chronically infected sphenoid sinus. The use of functional endoscopic sinus surgery instruments and the TAC attachment of the Midas Rex drill make this surgery possible.