Objective: To propose a simple post-operative endoscopic scoring system for use after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and to demonstrate the usefulness of this approach.
Methods: Subjects comprised 116 patients (84 men, 32 women; mean age, 54 years) with CRS who were analyzed endoscopically and radiologically after ESS between 2006 and 2012. The study was designed as a case series with planned data collection in the setting of university medical centers. Patients were followed-up for ≥ 6 months after ESS (mean, 13.1 months). Both pre- and post-operative computed tomography (CT) findings of each sinus and olfactory cleft (OC) were scored according to the Lund-Mackay scoring system: 0, normal; 1, partially; or 2, completely occupied. CT score represents the total score expressed as a percentage of the maximum possible score (12 points per side). Post-operative endoscopic score (E score, %) was calculated as the maximum score according to physical findings on each operated sinus and OC: 0, normal; 1, partially diseased; or 2, completely closed. Post-operative course using E score was verified by comparison with the Lund-Kennedy (L-K) scoring system.
Results: E score was easily and quickly determined. Interclass correlation coefficient among 10 otolaryngologists indicated high-level inter-rater reliability (0.922). E score correlated strongly with both CT score (n=116, p<0.0001, rs=0.755) and L-K score (n=79, p<0.0001, rs=0.723).
Conclusion: Endoscopic evaluation using E score for sinuses and OCs after ESS is a useful method, together with L-K score for the nasal cavity and radiological study.
Keywords: CT score; Chronic rhinosinusitis; Endoscopic sinus surgery; Post-operative endoscopic score; Post-operative evaluation.
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