Outcomes after complete endoscopic sinus surgery and aspirin desensitization in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease

Background In this study we assessed patient outcomes after complete endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and aspirin desensitization for patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients with aspirin challenge–proven AERD who underwent complete ESS followed by aspirin desensitization. Outcomes assessed included need for revision surgery and quality‐of‐life measures using the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT‐22). Data were collected preoperatively, postoperatively prior to desensitization, and then at intervals post‐desensitization through 30 months after aspirin desensitization. A longitudinal linear mixed‐effects model was used for data analysis. Results Thirty‐four patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Thirty‐two patients successfully completed aspirin desensitization and were subsequently followed for 30 months after desensitization. Two patients were unable to complete desensitization. Five patients discontinued aspirin maintenance therapy due to gastrointestinal and respiratory side effects. Within the follow‐up period, there were only 3 (9.4%) revision sinus surgeries. Notably, 1 of these revision cases occurred in a patient who had discontinued aspirin maintenance therapy. After surgical treatment and prior to desensitization patients had significant reductions in SNOT‐22 scores. Our results demonstrate that total SNOT‐22 scores remained statistically unchanged from immediate post‐desensitization throughout the 30‐month follow‐up period. Conclusion Complete sinus surgery followed by timely aspirin desensitization and maintenance therapy is an effective combination in the long‐term management of sinus disease in patients with AERD.