The place of surgery in the management of rhinosinusitis.

Medication and surgery are often complementary in the treatment of rhinosinusitis. Surgery is often reserved for patients who have not responded to medical treatment. Where there is a significant mechanical obstruction of the airway or sinus ostea medical management is unlikely to succeed on its own. For those with a coexisting allergic rhinitis who need surgery, the maintenance of any improvement in the nasal airway or sinus drainage will partially depend on good compliance with medical treatment postoperatively. No condition illustrates the adage that ‘to be a good surgeon you have to be a good physician’ better than allergic rhinitis. Perhaps it should also be said that ‘to be a good physician you should recognize when surgery has a role to play’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]