Balloon dilation of the frontal recess: a randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of balloon dilation of the frontal recess in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis of the frontal sinus.

Methods: We designed a double-blind randomized clinical trial of functional endoscopic sinus surgery assisted by balloon dilation versus conventional functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis of the frontal sinus. We enrolled a total of 40 patients in whom medical therapy had failed.

Quality of life in patients with smell loss due to upper respiratory tract infections.

Purpose: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are among the most frequent causes of dysosmias. It has been reported that acute anosmic patients often experience a feeling of personal isolation, display less interest in eating, and feel emotionally impaired. Our goal is to describe the quality of life (QOL) in patients with URTI olfactory loss.

[Nasosinusal endoscopic surgery as major out-patient surgery].

Introduction: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a useful and widespread technique that allows the treatment of a large number of nasal pathologies. Nevertheless, although many ENT operations are carried out on an out-patient basis, FESS procedures commonly require at least 1 day of hospital admission in many centres.

Objectives: To evaluate our experience in FESS as day-case, to study causes of unexpected overnight admission, and to identify any risk factors for failing to comply with early discharge.