Avoiding Complications in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Complications of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can range from the mundane to the catastrophic, with nasal hemorrhage being the most common. Intraorbital and intracranial complications are much less common. Despite the rarity of complications, they are often avoidable. Certain identifiable risk factors can be appreciated during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative evaluations of the sinus patient. With awareness of these risk factors the rhinologist can develop a strategic plan of risk factor mitigation. This article identifies areas of increased risk that are amenable to preventive strategies before complications become realized.