Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Beneficial Post Lung Transplant in Cystic Fibrosis Patients?

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the gene which encodes the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. There are numerous known mutations of the CFTR gene with ΔF508 being the most common. A defect in the CFTR gene leads to impaired ion transport across cell membranes and results in tenacious secretions that cause significant aerodigestive morbidity. As a result of pulmonary injury, CF is the most common indication for pediatric lung transplantation in the United States. The paranasal sinuses are thought to be an upper airway bacterial reservoir of infection that can spread to the lower airway and cause lung allograft infection. Poor transplant outcomes are associated with bacterial colonization and infection. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the most recent evidence regarding the role of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) following lung transplantion in patients with CF.