[Transnasal, endoscopical surgery for chronic sinusitis. III. Endonasal ethmoidectomy (author's transl)].

Transnasal total ethmoidectomy appears to be the surgical treatment of choice for cases of severe polyposis of the ethmoid. A thorough knowledge of the surgical anatomy, special instruments, including a new suction-irrigation-endoscope, and basic concept of flanking surgical measures are prerequisite. On the basis of the experience with 372 interventions, the own technique and results are reported. In a consecutive series of 84 patients, controlled over more than one year postoperatively, a success rate of 83 percent was achieved. The low incidence of complications, and the minimal postoperative discomfort of the patients are emphasized. The method also offers changes for the effective treatment of sinu-bronchitis and bronchial asthma.