CPAP-induced sphenoid sinus pressures after endoscopic sinus surgery

Abstract

Positive pressure transmitted from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the sinuses and skull base in the early post-operative period has not been studied in live subjects and controversy exists in when to restart this post-operatively. This study found that approximately 32.76% and 13.52% of the delivered CPAP pressures reached the post-surgical sphenoid sinus and the mid-nasal cavity, respectively, suggesting that surgical factors such as tissue edema, nasal packing, blood, and nasal secretions may provide a protective effect.

Keywords: FESS; anterior skull base; chronic rhinosinusitis; endoscopic minimally invasive surgery of the skull base; endoscopic skull base surgery; evidence‐based medicine; post‐operative.