The early history and development of functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Background The concept of endoscopic diagnosis and procedures on the nasal cavity had been investigated for several decades in Europe in the early part of the twentieth century. It was Prof Walter Messerklinger and his assistant, Heinz Stammberger, with US colleague, David Kennedy, who brought the science and technique of functional endoscopic sinus surgery to the wider world. Methods The author, an English-speaking surgeon, was present at this movement from the commencement of its propagation, and has recorded the remarkable ascendency of this technique throughout the world. Conclusion The technique revolutionised the diagnosis and management of intranasal, sinus and intracranial conditions.