The results of functional endoscopic sinus (FES) surgery on the symptoms of patients with cystic fibrosis.

The relationship between cystic fibrosis (CF) and sinus disease has been appreciated since at least 1959. Unfortunately the standard methods used to treat sinus disease have been very unrewarding in the CF patients. We evaluated the long-term results achieved on 17 patients with CF that underwent FES surgery between July 1988 and January 1991. This group consisted of 16 pediatric and 1 adult patients with previously diagnosed CF, documented chronic sinus disease and nasal polyposis that had failed long-term maximal medical management. The patients, or their parents, were contacted and asked to rate the severity and frequency of their symptoms associated with chronic sinus disease, pre- and postoperatively. The specific symptoms evaluated were nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, postnasal drip, halitosis and cough. In addition, we attempted to measure the number of hospitalizations and the presence and frequency of headaches. We were able to show that, while there was no change in the relative health of patients as measured by the number of hospitalizations, there was a significant improvement in the quality of life. There was a marked decline in the frequency of nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and postnasal drip and a high level of patient satisfaction with the procedure. No changes were seen in the frequency or nature of the cough, halitosis or headache.