There remains a continued debate regarding the extent of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) required for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). By examining anatomic, etiologic, and postoperative factors that may lead to recalcitrant CRS, this article aims to highlight some of the reasons for performing maximal techniques in ESS. This concept is further expanded in various surgical maneuvers including wide maxillary antrostomy, extended frontal sinus procedures, and intraoperative computed tomography-guided ESS.
Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.