A study on the role of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) in allergic rhinitis patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis

Abstract

Background: The role of sinus surgery in the management of allergic rhinitis with chronic rhinosinusitis patients has been a debatable matter for many years. We are presenting a well-designed prospective, controlled study in 80 patients with allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without nasal polyposis who were submitted to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Materials and Methods: In this study we have selected 80 patients of age group 15 to 60 yrs diagnosed to have allergic rhinitis with chronic sinusitis & nasal polyposis attending the department of otorhinolaryngology. Patients undergoing FESS were included in the study group (40 cases) and those who refused for surgery (FESS) and continuing with medical treatment were included in the control group (40 cases). All patients both study and control group underwent pretreatment and post-treatment evaluation for SNOT 22 score. Statistical differences in proportions were compared by Chi-square test and differences in means were compared by the unpaired t-test. Result: Our results indicated that all patients showed some level of improvement post-operatively, with an average improvement in the total symptom score (reduction in SNOT-22 composite score) of 54% of baseline, pre-operative value Significant improvement was observed in SNOT 22 scores in patients treated with FESS (p < 0.001). Conclusion: FESS is effective in controlling symptoms of allergic rhinitis with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis. Our clinical study supports the hypothesis that FESS has a positive influence in patients with allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis.