OBJECTIVETo observe the presence of bacterial biofilms in mucosal specimens in patients operated for chronic rhinosinusitis.

METHODSA total of 12 subjects undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery were included. The control group was 6 patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Six patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were enrolled in the study group. Mucosa of uncinate process, ethmoid bulla or maxillary sinus was obtained during endoscopic sinus surgery. All the samples were prepared using standard methods for scanning electron microscopy. Patients' information such as age, gender, symptoms, sinus CT, endoscopic examination, skin prick test were recorded in detail.

RESULTSStandard-preparation scanning electron microscopy displayed denuded epithelium and disarrayed cilia in chronic rhinosinusitis patient's mucosa. In the study group, bacterial biofilms of different morphology were seen in five samples; One sample showed filamentous structure like fungi. Using strict scanning electron microscopy morphologic criteria, 83.3% samples in the study group were found to have micrographic evidence of biofilms. No bacterial biofilms were detected in the control group.

CONCLUSIONSIn the patients undergoing surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis, different degree of mucosal injury could be found. Bacteria biofilms of different life stages were demonstrated to be present. No bacterial biofilms were detected in the control group.