What is the role of endoscopic sinus surgery in adult patients with cystic fibrosis?

BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disease in the Caucasian population, with an estimated incidence of 1:2500 to 1:3000 among newborns. In patients with CF, there is a defect in chloride ion transport resulting in a reduction in the water content of secretions. The more viscous mucus impairs normal mucociliary patterns and causes mechanical obstruction of the paranasal sinuses. The prevalence of sinus disease in patients with CF is estimated to be between 90% and 100%, with nasal polyposis occurring in up to two-thirds of CF patients. Given that sinonasal disease affects nearly all CF patients, appropriate treatment is a critical concern. This review describes the evidence regarding endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with CF.