Aim: To compare endoscopic sinus surgery and continued medical treatment in refractory refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients regarding diseases specific quality of life measurement

Study design: RCT (Randomized controlled trial)

Place and duration of study: Study was conducted at ENT (Ear, nose and throat) department, Railway Hospital Rawalpindi. Study duration was one year (January 2018-Deecember 2018)

Methods: A sample size of 22 patients was calculated using WHO calculator. Non probability consecutive sampling was used. A prior ethical approval and consent form was taken. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; Group A was given medical therapy while Group B comprised contain patients in whom medical therapy failed and had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery. Patients were followed for disease specific quality of life scores. Data was analyzed using SPSS version22. Chi-square and t test was applied. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Total of 22 refractory CRS patients were included in study. There were 10(45.5%) males and 12(54.5%) females. Mean age of refractory CRS patients was 33.4 years±6.2SD. Group A (continued medical therapy) N=11, had significantly high SNOTT -22 scores 60.6±7.1SD as compared to endoscopic sinus surgery 21±3.9SD (p=0.000). Group B (endoscopic sinus surgery) had significantly low endoscopic scores 2.7±0.3SD as compared to group A (continued medical therapy) 7.14±0.53SD (p=0.000). Endoscopic sinus surgery group showed significant reduction in work days lost 17.4±4.9SD as compared to continued medical therapy (Group A) 30.1±2.5SD (p=0.000).

Conclusion: Endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective treatment option as compared to continued medical therapy with improved quality of life in refractory CRS patients (with reduced baseline disease specific quality of life).

Keywords: Refractory chronic rhinosinusitis, endoscopic sinus surgery, quality of life