HOSPITAL IN-PATIENT INCIDENCE OF CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS AND CLINICAL OUTCOME FOLLOWING FUNCTIONAL ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory condition of the nose and paranasal sinuses persisting beyond 12 weeks. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), in conjunction with meticulous postoperative care, has emerged as a cornerstone of its management. This study evaluates the in-patient incidence of CRS and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) over a 5-year period and assesses clinical and functional outcomes following FESS. It also explores the role of disease-specific outcome measures in assessing response to treatment.   Introduction Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by persistent inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks. Two major subtypes exist: CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). A specific variant, Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AFRS), represents an immunological response to fungal antigens. The cornerstone of CRS/AFRS management includes medical therapy and, when indicated, surgical intervention via Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). This study quantifies subjective and objective improvement in CRS/AFRS patients undergoing FESS, with an emphasis on in-patient incidence, symptom progression, recurrence profiles, and functional outcomes