BACKGROUND: Frontal sinus obliteration is indicated in trauma and frontal sinus disease. We present our experience with a modified technique of frontal sinus obliteration. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 17 patients who underwent frontal sinus obliteration with a combination of Tisseel fibrin glue (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL) and calvarial bone and describe our technique. RESULTS: One female and 16 male patients (mean age, 36.6) underwent frontal sinus obliteration from 2001 to 2005. Traumatic fracture was the most common indication. The patients were followed up for a median of 15 months. There were no major complications. Postoperatively, one patient developed a localized frontal wound infection at 3 weeks; this resolved with debridement. At latest follow-up, all were free from local sinus complications, disease recurrence, headaches, or intracranial events. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of autogenous calvarial bone and Tisseel is suitable for frontal sinus obliteration. Our technique is associated with low donor site morbidity, avoids a separate donor surgical site, and has a low complication rate.
BACKGROUND: Frontal sinus obliteration is indicated in trauma and frontal sinus disease. We present our experience with a modified technique of frontal sinus obliteration. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 17 patients who underwent frontal sinus obliteration with a combination of Tisseel fibrin glue (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL) and calvarial bone and describe our technique. RESULTS: One female and 16 male patients (mean age, 36.6) underwent frontal sinus obliteration from 2001 to 2005. Traumatic fracture was the most common indication. The patients were followed up for a median of 15 months. There were no major complications. Postoperatively, one patient developed a localized frontal wound infection at 3 weeks; this resolved with debridement. At latest follow-up, all were free from local sinus complications, disease recurrence, headaches, or intracranial events. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of autogenous calvarial bone and Tisseel is suitable for frontal sinus obliteration. Our technique is associated with low donor site morbidity, avoids a separate donor surgical site, and has a low complication rate.