The role of sinus CT in surgical treatment decisions for chronic rhinosinusitis.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: To define a predictive role of Lund Mackay CT scan [LM] score in treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis [CRS] by functional endoscopic sinus surgery [FESS].

MATERIALS & METHODS: A prospective study was done on the cited subject in a sample size of 30 patients suffering from CRS failing maximal medical treatment. All the patients underwent FESS under general anaesthesia. CT scan with Lund Mackey scoring was done preoperatively and postoperatively. The symptomatic improvement was analysed using SNOT-22 score over a time period of one year. The SNOT-22 scores were statistically analysed with pre-op Lund Mackey scores to draw judicious conclusions.

RESULTS: A mean Lund Mackey pre-operative score [LM] of 13.1 was recorded in the patients undergoing FESS for CRS. Further, the patients were divided into two groups: one with LM score less than 13.1 [Group-A] and the other with LM score of more than 13.1 [Group B]. A statistically significant improvement in symptoms with good long-term prognosis was recorded in Group-B only. In addition, a direct correlation between Lund Mackay score and extent of surgery was also seen, greater the score more extensive the FESS.

CONCLUSION: There is a predictive value of LM score in prognosis of FESS. We believe that a minimum LM score of 13.1 gives good clinical outcomes in patients with CRS who undergo FESS and thus can be used as a threshold for recruiting CRS patients for FESS.