Indications and outcomes for Draf IIB frontal sinus surgery

Background: Extended frontal surgery techniques are often required when maximal medical therapy and standard endoscopic surgical approaches fail in patients. Although outcomes of the Draf III (modified Lothrop) procedure have been widely reported, postoperative outcomes and indications for the Draf IIB frontal sinusotomy have been relatively underreported. We presented our institution's experience with the Draf IIB procedure. Methods: Patients who underwent the Draf IIB frontal sinusotomy between 2007 and 2012 were identified by retrospective chart review. Data collected included demographics, imaging, sinus patency, and Sino-nasal Outcome Test 20 scores. Results: A total of 22 Draf IIB frontal sinusotomies were performed in 18 patients. Thirteen of eighteen patients had previous frontal sinus surgery. The most common indications for the extended approach were chronic frontal sinusitis due to lateralized middle turbinate remnant (8 patients), mucocele (6), postoperative synechiae (5), and frontal sinus mass (3). Sinus ostium patency was maintained in 20 of 22 sinuses over an average follow-up period of 16.2 months. No complications were reported. Conclusions: The Draf IIB frontal sinusotomy is a relatively safe procedure, with multiple indications. Long-term sinus ostium patency was maintained in >90% of operated sinuses, which indicated that the Draf IIB procedure may present an acceptable alternative to more aggressive extended frontal sinus approaches in selected patients.