Use of endoscopy in the management of ENT diseases: Current status of endoscopic sinus surgery

Since the introduction of endoscopy into the ENT field in the late 1970s, both the diagnosis and treatment of ENT diseases have improved dramatically. Paranasal sinus are narrow confines, and sometime show anatomic variations. Thus endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with advanced development of operation-assisted instruments including powered instrumentation and valuable image guidance system contributes to the outcomes in treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Furthermore, the technical, surgical options offered by the endoscope go far beyond the management of chronic rhinosinusitis. They include cystic diseases, traumas including cerebrospinal fluid fistulas, and tumors.