Fatal and major complications secondary to nasal and sinus surgery.

The purpose of this study was to review 40 major or fatal complications secondary to nasal and sinus surgery that were referred to the author for consultation or other reasons. The most frequent complications were intracranial, which occurred in 13 cases, and resulted in four deaths. Blindness occurred in ten patients (two bilaterally). Three other fatalities resulted from internal carotid artery damage. Three patients died of anesthesia-related problems and one survived malignant hyperthermia. In all, ten patients died as a result of intracranial catastrophe, hemorrhage, or general anesthesia complications. Although some complications are preventable, others may be unavoidable, even in the hands of well-trained, experienced surgeons.