Background: This study was designed to investigate whether two different surgical approaches in endonasal sinus surgery lead to different postoperative results in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Methods: Sixty-five patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis were operated on with either a limited approach or an extended approach. They were examined preoperatively and reassessed during 3 months, 6 months, and long-term follow-up visits that included endoscopy, saccharin transport time, and the assessment of symptoms.
Results: The concept of this study was prospective, randomized, and multicenter (Mainz, Germany, and Moscow, Russia). The results of the two different surgical approaches were compared with each other.
Conclusion: Surgical results and symptomatology were similar in both groups of patients, suggesting that a conservative approach may be sufficient in most patients.