[Complications with permanent damage in endonasal paranasal sinus operations--more frequent in experienced surgeons?]

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

[Complications with permanent damage in endonasal paranasal sinus operations--more frequent in experienced surgeons?]

Laryngorhinootologie. 1998 Jul;77(7):398-401. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/98416621
Weber R; Keerl R; Hosemann W; Schauss F; Leuwer R; Draf W; Klinik fur HNO-Krankheiten, Kopf-, Hals- und Plastische; Gesichtschirurgie, Kommunikationsstorungen, Klinikum Fulda.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The rate of serious complications in endonasal sinus surgery has not gone down although optical aids are widely used nowadays. Are serious complications caused more often by unexperienced or experienced surgeons using a microscope and/or endoscope? METHODS: We defined serious complications as follows: death, persistent neurological deficits or permanent loss of vision, and injury to the internal carotid artery. Two different studies were made: the first consecutive 300 interventions of 6 sinus surgeons were evaluated. Sixteen malpractice cases were analysed regarding the experience of the surgeon. RESULTS: In 9 out of 16 malpractice cases serious complications were attributable to experienced surgeons, five to moderately experienced surgeons, and only two to an inexperienced surgeon (although he had extensive experience in external sinus surgery). There were 6 deaths, 6 neurologic defects, 2 visual disorders, and 2 injuries to the internal carotid artery without any sequelae. In 9 cases the serious complications were related to injury of the internal carotid artery, in five cases to perforation of the skull base. Twice the orbital wall was penetrated. In 1800 procedures performed by 6 surgeons, no serious complications were encountered. There were only lesions of the periorbit (n = 33) or CSF leaks (n = 8) without any permanent damage to the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Even an experienced surgeon must always keep in mind that serious complications can occur in sinus surgery. One must constantly be alert to the possibility of anatomical variants or specific pathologic findings.

Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE Nasennebenhohlenoperationen--haufiger bei erfahrenen Operateuren? Cause of Death Clinical Competence/LEGISLATION & JURISPRUD English Abstract Germany Human Malpractice/*LEGISLATION & JURISPRUD *Microsurgery Paranasal Sinus Diseases/MORTALITY/*SURGERY Postoperative Complications/*ETIOLOGY/MORTALITY Risk Factors *Surgical Procedures, Endoscopic Survival Analysis
990130
A9911093

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .