Follow-up of endoscopic sinus surgery on children with cystic fibrosis.

Children with cystic fibrosis universally have involvement of the paranasal sinuses, and endoscopic management of this sinus disease with its attendant benefits may help them. Ten children with cystic fibrosis underwent examination and computed tomographic scans of their sinuses in 1987 and 1988. All had sinus disease demonstrated and seven went on to undergo endoscopic surgery in the same period. All children had repeated examinations and computed tomographic scans in 1990. All had recurrence or persistence of their sinus disease. However, when the patients and their parents were asked about the subjective value of the surgery all believed there were benefits. I conclude that endoscopic sinus surgery does not eradicate sinus disease in children with cystic fibrosis but that it is of value for symptomatic relief of nasal disease.