The history of paranasal sinus surgery

Abstract

Since ancient times, paranasal sinuses’ anatomy was well known, but the exhaustive exploration of this district and the treatment options for the related pathologies were limited by the complex conformation of this site. Only the introduction of increasingly advanced technological tools allowed to perform more invasive procedures with consequent better chances of healing. In this regard, the diffusion of the endoscope has represented the keystone for the development of the so-called functional endoscopic sinus surgery which, in the modern era, symbolizes the most important surgical technique for the paranasal sinuses’ treatment.