Functional endoscopic sinus surgery--the South African experience.

Questionnaires were sent to 148 South African otorhinolaryngologists to ascertain their experience of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The Messerklinger approach to FESS was followed by 87% of the surgeons who responded. In South Africa FESS is performed mainly under general anaesthesia. An incidence of 1.3% is reported in respect of major complications. Information obtained from the questionnaires describes training and supports further study. Registrars need more than knowledge and surgical experience; their skills must also be assessed by some form of certification.