Cutting-Edge Research with NIH-Funded Sinus Tissue Bank

Tampa General and USF rhinologists, allergists, and immunologists have collaborated to initiate one of the nation’s premier sinus tissue biobanks. Tissue removed during sinus surgery is collected along with nasal secretions and used for cutting-edge research into the causes of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. Control samples are obtained during endoscopic pituitary and tear duct surgery.

Funded by the NIH, research at the sinus tissue bank is specifically investigating mitochondrial oxidative stress in nasal polyps and its similarity to changes seen in the normal aging process. Initial results have been promising with the goal of discovering molecular pathways that can be targeted by drugs to prevent oxidative stress and associated chronic sinusitis.

Dedicated Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery Program

Tampa General Hospital’s endoscopic skull base surgery program provides comprehensive care of all complex sinonasal disease ranging from nasal allergic disease, chronic rhinosinusitis, cerebrospinal leaks, and benign and malignant skull base neoplasms.

Led by Division Chief Dr. Mark Tabor, USF/TGH’s skull base surgery program features a multidisciplinary team of three fellowship-trained rhinologists with endoscopic skull base training, skull base neurosurgeons, neurotologists and neuro-interventional radiologists. Together, they deliver the latest treatments for pituitary and sinonasal tumors, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and a range of other benign and malignant skull base disorders.

Specialists perform minimally invasive surgical techniques, complex revision sinus surgeries, and endoscopic resections—the most common procedure being combination pituitary surgeries.