Clinical outcome of pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery based on a clinical symptom score outcome. We conducted a prospective analysis of established measures of clinical outcome based on a survey that was completed preoperatively and again 2 years after pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: Twenty-seven children underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. Twenty-three of the 27 children's surveys were completed both preoperatively and postoperatively by parents of the children. The main outcome measure was scores on parental survey and parental perception of surgical success. Results: Results revealed that all children had an improved symptom score in all categories postoperatively as compared with preoperatively. Statistical analysis using the nonparametric sign test showed that a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in score occurred in 9 of the 15 categories (score lowered from preoperatively to postoperatively) for the children on an individual basis. These categories included a decrease in frequency of a cough (p = 0.013), nasal congestion (p = 0.031), visit to the doctor's office or hospital because of associated problems (p = 0.008), amount of days missing school or child care (p = 0.001), problems with routine activities such as eating and sleeping (p 0.001), problems with attendance or conduct at school (p 0.004), and a decrease in the child's sinus problems affecting the parent's performance at their job or at home (p = 0.035). Conclusions: We concluded that parental perception of their child's clinical outcome after pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery appears favorable.