[Endonasal sinus surgery with endoscopic control for recurrent sinusitis in children (author's transl)].

Since 1976, 35 transnasal operations of the maxillary sinus with endoscopic control were performed in children as treatment for chronic sinusitis. After luxation of the inferior turbinate, a mucosal flap was developed to expose the lateral bony nasal wall. A sinus fenestra was then created to allow endoscopic control of the antrum during the operation. Gross pathological alterations of the mucosa were removed while most of the lining mucosa was preserved for recovery. 30 of the 35 children were followed from 4--18 months after surgery. 28 were without any discomfort. Although X-ray studies in many of the patients revealed mucosal swelling four weeks after surgery, the maxillary sinuses were well aerated 8 weeks after operation. Transnasal sinusotomy under endoscopic control is considered to be the treatment of choice for chronic sinusitis in adults and can now also be considered to be the treatment for similar disease in children.