Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of mucosal grafts and flaps on neo-ostium patency and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing Draf IIb or III frontal sinus drill-out procedures. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. REVIEW METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, consecutive studies were included, and a meta-analysis was performed. Study characteristics, patient demographics, surgical outcomes, and neo-ostium patency rates were extracted. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) were estimated using random-effects models. Publication bias was evaluated via funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS: Nine studies with 375 patients undergoing mucosal reconstruction were included, following 116 (30.9%) Draf IIb and 259 (69.1%) Draf III procedures. Four comparative studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Draf III was performed in 97.2% of cases (n = 318), with 165 (51.9%) patients in the flap group and 153 (48.1%) in the no-flap group. Mean follow-up was 41.3 ± 9.5 months. Mucosal flaps/grafts significantly improved neo-ostium patency (RR 1.087, 95% CI: 1.018-1.159, P = .011) and reduced loss of neo-ostium area (MD 19.52%, 95% CI: 9.97-29.06, P < .01). Clinical outcomes, including polyp scores and patient-reported measures, showed high heterogeneity, limiting synthesis. CONCLUSION: Mucosal reconstruction may enhance neo-ostium patency but could only be analyzed for Draf III. Variability in study design and outcome reporting remains a limitation. Standardized methodologies are essential to accurately assess the role of mucosal grafting in frontal sinus surgery.