CPAP-induced sphenoid sinus pressures after endoscopic sinus surgery.

Key points: Positive pressure transmitted from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the sinuses and skull base in the early post-operative period has not been studied in live subjects and controversy exists in when to restart this post-operatively. This study found that approximately 32.76% and 13.52% of the delivered CPAP pressures reached the post-surgical sphenoid sinus and the mid-nasal cavity, respectively, suggesting that surgical factors such as tissue edema, nasal packing, blood, and nasal secretions may provide a protective effect.