Subjective and objective evaluation in endoscopic sinus surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the first modality for the surgical treatment of chronic sinusitis. We evaluated the outcome of ESS based on subjective and objective assessment. Subjective improvement was achieved in 98% of 54 patients chosen consecutively in the present study. The extent of disease revealed by computed tomographic (CT) scans was significantly ameliorated to an 82% improvement rate by ESS. However, no correlation of improvement rate between symptoms and CT scores was obtained. Both quantitative olfaction and anterior rhinomanometry were significantly improved following ESS. The present study provides objective evidence for clinical efficacy of ESS in the treatment of chronic sinusitis.