Outcomes and cost benefits of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in severely asthmatic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes (using validated outcome tools) and cost benefits of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in a population of severely asthmatic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted. The study comprised consecutive patients diagnosed with asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis for whom medical treatment had failed and who were scheduled for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. General health and disease-specific outcome questionnaires were completed pre- and post-operatively. Costs associated with both functional endoscopic sinus surgery and out-patient visits to a comprehensive asthma clinic were calculated. Results: A total of 47 patients completed the surveys. The average improvement in Chronic Sinusitis Survey scores following functional endoscopic sinus surgery was 17 per cent. The average reduction in out-patient asthma clinic visits was 50 per cent, which translates to an average cost saving of $1035 Canadian dollars per patient per year. Conclusion: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a cost-effective treatment modality for asthmatic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. This information is important for: the distribution and planning of resources, prioritising health programmes, and establishing practice guidelines.