The role of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the management of recurrent sinus barotrauma.

Sinus barotrauma occurs when an individual is unable to equilibrate the pressure within his sinuses with atmospheric pressure. Aviators affected by recurrent sinus barotrauma are unfit to fly until the underlying cause is established and treated. While most cases result from intranasal pathology, a significant number are the result of sinus pathology or anatomical abnormalities. This latter group have been difficult to manage in the past but the advent of computerized tomography and the Hopkin's rod endoscope have allowed them to be operated on with precision and safety. Complications of this treatment are uncommon and the aviator has usually been able to resume full flying duties after undergoing a decompression test. In our experience it is rare for an aviator who has passed a decompression test to have further episodes of sinus barotrauma.