From the Research
The most common complication of a Lynch-Howarth incision is scarring and cosmetic deformity. This incision, typically used for accessing the frontal sinus during procedures like frontal sinusotomy, creates a visible scar along the eyebrow or just above it. While functional complications such as numbness due to supraorbital or supratrochlear nerve damage, infection, and hematoma formation can occur, the cosmetic impact remains the primary concern for most patients. The incision's location on the face makes any resulting scar highly visible, potentially causing psychological distress for patients. Modern endoscopic approaches have largely replaced this open technique precisely to avoid these cosmetic issues, though the Lynch-Howarth approach may still be necessary in cases requiring extensive access to the frontal sinus or when dealing with complicated frontal sinus pathology. Proper wound closure technique, including meticulous alignment of tissue layers and careful skin approximation, can help minimize but not eliminate scarring.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the complications of a Lynch-Howarth incision include:
- The potential for infection, as discussed in the context of wound infection management 1
- The importance of proper wound closure to minimize scarring
- The comparison of the Lynch-Howarth procedure to other surgical approaches, such as the osteoplastic flap-obliterative procedure, in terms of recurrence rates and cosmesis 2
- The consideration of alternative approaches, such as endoscopic procedures, to reduce the risk of cosmetic complications
It's also important to note that while osteomyelitis is a potential complication of sinusitis or trauma, as discussed in several studies 3, 4, 5, it is not the most common complication of a Lynch-Howarth incision. Instead, the focus should be on minimizing scarring and cosmetic deformity, while also being aware of the potential for other complications and taking steps to prevent and manage them.