The minimally invasive sinus surgery technique

Abstract

The minimally invasive sinus technique, (MIST) is different from minimally invasive sinus surgery. MIST implies a treatment philosophy and surgical model that is quite different from functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The goals of this article are to discuss the origins of functional sinus surgery as it relates to the evolution of FESS and MIST, define MIST as a philosophy and surgical model, discuss treatment of surgical sinus disease, and challenge the rationale for our departure from Messerklinger's "functional" concepts into what will be referred to as "contemporary FESS. " Many authors address the reduced revision rate (compared with FESS) following initial intervention with MIST, the potential to markedly reduce the rate of intranasal synechiae, and the reduction in immediate postoperative morbidity.