Sinus disease and surgical treatment: a results oriented quality assurance study.

The efficacy of sinus surgery continues to be an issue of debate among otolaryngologists. In an attempt to address this controversy, a case-series study design was used to assess the perceived efficacy of sinus surgery in terms of the alleviation of sinus symptoms and overall health benefit. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 142 individuals who had sinus surgery performed between January 1984, and December 1985. After one follow-up attempt, 114 questionnaires were completed and returned (80% response). Overall, a high percentage of cases reported postoperative improvement in breathing difficulties (90%), nasal congestion (88%), headache/facial pain (85%), recurrent sinus infections (83%), and postnasal drip (80%). In addition, 88% of cases reported the surgery to be of some overall health benefit. These results suggest that sinus surgery, as perceived by surgically treated individuals, may be effective in the management of chronic sinus disease.