The frontal osteoplastic flap: does it still have a place in rhinological surgery?

OBJECTIVE

To review outcomes and complications in a series of adults undergoing a frontal osteoplastic flap procedure without obliteration, for endoscopically inaccessible sinus disease.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Retrospective case note review of patients treated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary between January 2004 and October 2008.

RESULTS

Ten patients were identified (age range 19-81 years, mean age 46.3 years). No major intra- or post-operative complications occurred. There were three minor complications: superficial discharging wound, forehead swelling and haematoma.

CONCLUSION

The frontal osteoplastic flap still has a role in frontal sinus surgery. With minor technical modifications, this procedure may be performed with minimal complication and morbidity for patients with endoscopically inaccessible frontal sinus disease.