Anatomy and its variations for endoscopic sinus surgery

Abstract

There has been a major advancement in managing chronic sinusitis and other sinonasal diseases. There has been a remarkable change in the surgical approach to inflammatory pathology of paranasal sinuses since the time, Messerklinger introduced endoscopic sinus surgery. In this changing scenario of indications for endoscopic sinus surgeries, detailed knowledge of sinonasal anatomy is of paramount importance. It is of utmost importance to master the relevant anatomy and its variations before one embarks upon endoscopic sinus surgery. Various cadaveric and radiological studies have been done to know about the important landmarks and anatomical variations. With increasing horizon of sinus surgery, where more of optic nerve and anterior and middle cranial fossa lesions are being dealt with endoscopically; surgeon needs to be more familiar with various variations in the anatomy of the important structures as even a small mistake can be detrimental to the vision and life of the patient.