Nasal septal deformities in chronic rhinosinusitis patients: clinical and radiological aspects.

Septal deformities are very frequent in patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The question is whether or not some types of septal deformities are involved more frequently in this process or not. The authors observed the incidence of particular types of septal deformities in a group of CRS patients using Mladina classification. The same has been done with a control group that consisted of healthy volunteers. In the literature, type 7 has been found very frequently, i.e. in nearly 30% of all CRS cases. Herein, type 7 was mostly composed of types 3 and 5. Type 3 can be accurately recognised on axial MSCT scans, while type 5 can be accurately recognised on coronal views. Concomitant septal surgery at the time of endoscopic sinus surgery is recommended.

An animal model for endoscopic endonasal surgery and dacryocystorhinostomy training: uses and limitations of the lamb's head.

OBJECTIVES: Structured training in endoscopic sinus surgery is essential, considering the serious potential complications. We have developed a detailed endoscopic endonasal surgery training programme, using a lamb's head model. This study aimed to assess the possibilities of using such a model for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dacryocystography was performed on lamb's head models, which were then meticulously dissected, both macroscopically and endoscopically, to assess the nasolacrimal system. RESULTS: Dacryocystography showed the absence of a lacrimal sac in all the lamb's heads dissected. This result was confirmed by dissection. CONCLUSION: Lamb's heads are excellent models with which to teach endoscopic sinus surgery techniques. However, this study clearly demonstrated the absence of a lacrimal sac in all such models dissected. Thus, this animal model is inappropriate for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy training.