Indications and complications of functional endoscopic sinus surgery at otorhinolaryngology department at muhimbili national hospital

Background: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive technique used to restore sinus ventilation and normal function. FESS like any other surgery is also associated with both intra and post-operative complications. Due to lack of local data on FESS the burden on indication and complications of this procedure is not known, so this study will help to identify them and develop a local guideline for proper management of FESS. Material and Method: Descriptive cross sectional study hospital based study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital for 8 months from February 2022 to September 2022and involved all patients who underwent FESS and consented. One hundred and twelve (112)patients were studied; were followed from admission, intra-operatively and four weeks post-operative for complications. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS version 23, to determine the complications, the proportion of all patients undergoing FESS and those with complications were calculated. Findings were presented using tables, graphs and text. Results: A total 112 patients who met inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study, comprising female 57(50.9%) and male 55(49.1%).The age ranged from 8 years to 77 years and majority belonged to age group 25-39 years. The indications for FESS were CRS without NP 49(43.8%), followed by CRS with NP 34(30.4%) and others 3(2.7%) which were, two (2) synechiae released with sinus opening and one(1) was sinus tumor excision. The complication rate was 8.1% whereby there was no intraoperative or major complications. The lead complication was crusts 3(2.7%)and the complication were decreased during the time of follow up where endoscopic toilets was done, though one(1) patient had synechiae till last week follow up scheduled for release later. Conclusions: The indications of functional endoscopic sinus surgery were similar to other studies where majority had chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. There were minor complications which were managed during the time of follow up with endoscopic toileting. So post-operative follow up is the main stay for reducing complications post operatively.