During FESS for chronic rhinosinusitis, the surgical landmark identified first to guide all subsequent dissection is the:
- A Middle turbinate axilla
- B Uncinate process ✓
- C Basal lamella of the middle turbinate
- D Sphenoethmoidal recess
Correct answer: B. Uncinate process
Explanation
The uncinate process is the first structure addressed in FESS (uncinectomy), as it guards access to the ostiomeatal complex and defines the surgical corridor. Incising and removing the uncinate process exposes the ethmoidal infundibulum and maxillary sinus ostium. It is the key surgical landmark because medial displacement of the uncinate can orient the surgeon toward the orbit or skull base if taken incorrectly. The middle turbinate serves as the overriding anatomical reference for the entire procedure.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.