Practice Patterns in Office-Based Rhinology: Survey of the American Rhinologic Society

Background Recent years have witnessed significant expansion in office-based rhinology. This study assesses practice patterns of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) membership regarding office-based rhinologic procedures. Methods A 24-item survey was disseminated to the ARS membership from March 15 to May 31, 2016. Results A total of 157 physicians (11.9%) completed the survey. Office-based rhinologic procedures were performed by 99% of respondents, with sinonasal debridements (99%), polypectomy (77%), and balloon sinus ostial dilation (56%) being the most common. During a typical month, the number of sinonasal debridements was 0–10 in 23%, 11–20 in 34%, 21–30 in 26%, and >30 in 18%. For polypectomy, 57% of the respondents utilized a microdebrider (reusable electric—24%, disposable vacuum-powered—21%, and both—12%), 36% endoscopic forceps, and 7% a combination of both. With respect to balloon ostial dilation, the frontal sinuses were the most frequently addressed (53%) followed by the maxillary (46%) and sphenoid (39%) sinuses. In-office ethmoidectomies, antrostomies, sphenoidotomies, and frontal sinusotomies without the use of the balloon were performed by 35%, 31%, 24%, and 21% of the respondents, respectively. Thirty percent of respondents used steroid-eluting sinus implants and 10% used computer-assisted surgical navigation in the office setting. Overall, 63% of respondents reported that the number of office-based rhinologic procedures they performed had increased over the last 5 years. Conclusions The present study illustrates the integration of office procedures into rhinologic clinical practice among ARS survey respondents. With ongoing technologic innovations, the scope of office-based rhinology will likely continue to expand in the years to come.