Prelacrimal Recess Approach in Unilateral Maxillary Sinus Lesions: What Is the Impact and Efficacy?

Background and Objectives: Chronic sinusitis is a commonly encountered diagnosis for otorhinolaryngologists. The profound negative effect of rhinosinusitis on patients' quality of life is frequently overlooked, and surgical lines of treatment are numerous. The aim of the study was to assess the comparative efficacy of endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy with the endoscopic prelacrimal recess approach, combined with middle meatal antrostomy in the treatment of unilateral chronic maxillary sinus lesion. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with unilateral chronic maxillary sinus lesions enrolled in the study at Alahsa hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: 15 treated through a middle meatal antrostomy and 15 treated via a combined middle meatal antrostomy and prelacrimal recess approach. Demographic and clinical information of the patients, including the medical history, CT scan findings, diagnosis, recurrence, and complications, were gathered and analyzed. Pre- and postoperative clinical findings were graded utilizing the Lund-Kennedy Endoscopic Scoring System. Results: The enrolled patients varied in age from 18 to 56, with 60% being male and 40% being female. Antrochoanal polyp, maxillary sinus mucocele, and unilateral allergic fungal sinusitis were among the pathological diagnoses. The follow-up period averaged 14.3 months. Following surgery, two patients in Group II encountered nasal discomfort, which included synechia and epiphora. The success rate for preserving a patient's disease-free condition was 86.7%. A statistically significant difference in disease-free incidence was observed among the patients in group II. In group I, recurrence was identified in 26.7% of the patients. The postoperative symptoms diminished considerably, and the VAS score was reduced substantially. In Group II patients, however, there was no significant difference in scarring. Clinically significant differences were observed in the mean total Lund-Kennedy Endoscopic scores when compared to their preoperative values. Conclusions: Achieving endoscopic access to the sinus's anterior, lateral, inferior, and inferomedial regions is facilitated by operating via the prelacrimal recess, which is the most advantageous approach. This approach facilitates rapid mucosal healing by maintaining the integrity of the nasolacrimal duct and mucosal covering. The specific pathology, surgical objectives, surgeon expertise, and equipment accessibility influence the choice of endoscopic surgical technique.

Exclusive Endoscopic Approach in the Management of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma

Background: With the advancement in endoscopic endonasal surgeries, there has been a change in the surgical approach from the traditional open surgeries to the more conservative endoscopic endonasal approach for the management of sinonasal inverted papilloma. In the present study, we have shared our experience of endoscopic excision inverted papilloma involving the paranasal sinuses in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and methods: It is a retrospective case series of 28 patients who underwent endoscopic excision of inverted papilloma of paranasal sinus in a tertiary care hospital from April 2017 to October 2020. The medical records were retrospectively analyzed for the clinical, radiological, pathological, intraoperative and postoperative findings and later compared among the surgical approaches. Results: Of the total of 28 patients with inverted papilloma (3; Krouse 2 and 25; Krouse 3), 11(21.4%) patients were operated through endoscopic modified Denker, 8(39.3%) patients with endoscopic medial maxillectomy and 6(21.4%) patients with endoscopic sinus surgery. Patients who underwent modified endoscopic approach had lesser complications compared to the standard endoscopic procedures. Conclusion: Endoscopic excision of the sinonasal inverted papilloma can be a valid alternative to the open surgical approach, enabling complete clearance of the disease with a minimal complication rate. A large population with a long-term follow-up may be needed for a better understanding of the results.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03332-6.

Sublabial Approach Versus Modified Denker's Procedure: A Comparative Study of Pre-maxillary Tissue Clearance in Covid-Associated Mucormycosis

To compare the efficacy of the sublabial and modified Denker's procedure in clearance of fungal disease from the anterior wall of maxilla and the pre-maxillary area i.e. the difficult areas of maxillary sinus. A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 2 months (April 21-June 21) in the ENT department of Sawai Man Singh hospital, Jaipur. All the patients with clinical involvement of the premaxilla or the cheek abutting the anterior wall of maxilla were included in the study population. Cases matched in both groups were subjected to debridement either by the sublabial or the modified denker's approach. Outcomes were measured by assessing the daily CRP values, post-operative DNE every 3 days after pack removal, and imaging at the end of 1 month. Repeat biopsies were performed in patients that still had persistent symptoms after getting operated on. 16 of the 60 patients (26.6%) operated on by the endoscopic approach showed evidence of residual disease on follow-up whereas only 5 patients (9.6%) in the other category had a similar outcome. Most of the recidivism was seen in the anterior maxilla. Lower rates of complications were found following debridement by the sublabial approach. Since the sublabial approach is the most direct approach for the key areas of fungal involvement of maxillary sinus, it is recommended over the modified Denker's procedure for disease clearance from pre maxilla and the anterior wall of maxillary sinus. This view is also supported by the lower rates of complications encountered following the former.

Endoscopic Modified Denker's Approach for the Treatment of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a benign vascular lesion with propensity of bony erosion leading to skull base involvement and intracranial extension. It involves multiple compartments which are difficult to access surgically. With surgical expertise endoscopic resection of angiofibroma has become the preferred choice of surgical management. This article presents our experience with endoscopic approach for angiofibroma and establishes the modified Denker's procedure as a effective approach for removal of tumor. A prospective case study was done on 25 cases of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma treated surgically by endonasal endoscopic modified Denker's approach in the department of ENT at BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad over a period of 4 years from January 2015 to January 2019. This technique was used up to Fisch stage 3b with extension up to infratemporal fossa. Using this technique no major recurrence or major morbidity was observed and did not produce any late serious complications. The endoscopic technique allows the surgeon to achieve an extensive exposure of the sinuses and control of the sphenopalatine and internal maxillary arteries without the risk of palatal dysfunction, oronasal fistula, or facial scarring. In addition, the modified Denkers approach can be an effective and less mutilating technique in managing recurrences.

Cone beam computed tomographic evaluation of infraorbital canal protrusion into the maxillary sinus and its importance for endoscopic surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the prevalence of Infraorbital Canal Protrusion (ICP) degree into the maxillary sinus and its relationship with variations in adjacent structures on Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images.

METHODS

350 CBCT images (700 Infraorbital Canal [IC]) were evaluated retrospectively. ICP was divided into 3 subtypes according to the protrusion degree. The correlation between IC types and variations in adjacent anatomical structures (Haller cell, middle nasal concha pneumatization, maxillary sinus mucosal thickening and septa) was evaluated. The distance between Infraorbital Canal and Cnine Root (IC-CR) was also measured. For type 3, measurements were performed on IC as the length of the bony septum from the IC to the Mxillary Sinus Wall (IC-MSW), the distance from the inferior orbital rim, where the IC begins to protrude into the maxillary sinus (IOR-ICP), the vertical distance from the IC to the Maxillary Sinus Roof (IC-MSR) and Floor (IC-MSF).

RESULTS

The prevalence of type 1, 2 and 3 was 62.9%, 29.1%, and 8% respectively. IC-CR was 10.2, 10.7 and 11.4 mm in type 1, 2 and 3, respectively. IC-MSW, IOR-ICP, IC-MSR and floor IC-MSF was 3.8, 10.9, 7.4 and 27.7 mm, respectively. On the right and left side, statistically significant correlation was found between IC types and the presence of the Haller cell and sinus septa. But there was no significant correlation between IC types and middle concha pneumatization.

CONCLUSION

Accurate diagnosis of ICP is very important in preventing infraorbital nerve damage in surgical procedures to be performed in the maxillary region. The results of this study could be a guide for surgical planning in this region.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective study.

Modified Endoscopic Denker's Approach for Management of Anterior Maxillary Sinus Tumors: Multicenter Series of 58 Cases

OBJECTIVES

Tumors involving the anterior portion of the maxillary sinus remain technically challenging to access via an endoscopic approach. The modified endoscopic Denker's (MED) procedure was recently introduced to address such lesions. We present a multicenter series of 58 patients with tumors involving the anterior maxillary sinus successfully resected using a MED procedure and present the clinical outcomes and complications.

METHODS

A multi-institution retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent the MED approach for the management of tumors involving the anterior maxillary sinus from 2009 to 2020. Demographic data, pathology, surgical outcomes, and complications were reviewed.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were identified, including 34 (58.6%) male and 24 (41.4%) female patients. The most common pathologies included: inverted papilloma (n = 27; 46.6%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 9; 15.5%), and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 8; 13.8%). Thirty-eight patients (65.5%) underwent MED alone, while 20 (34.5%) had combined expanded endonasal approaches for lesions extending beyond the maxillary sinus. All maxillary sinus lesions were successfully accessed with the MED procedure without the need for an additional approach. After a mean follow-up of 30 months (range, 1-127), 8 of 58 (13.8%) patients developed complications related to the MED, including epiphora requiring an additional procedure (n = 4; 6.9%), prolonged facial/palatal numbness (n = 3; 5.2%), severe epistaxis (n = 1; 1.7%), and vestibular stenosis (n = 1; 1.7%), the latter of which occurred following postoperative radiation.

CONCLUSION

The MED procedure is a safe and highly effective approach for benign and malignant tumors involving the anterior maxillary sinus. However, patients should be counseled preoperatively on potential complications including the risk of facial numbness and epiphora.

Inverted Papilloma of the Maxillary Sinus: A Recurrence Analysis According to Surgical Approaches

(1) Background: Various surgical approaches have been introduced to resect inverted papillomas (IP) stemming from the maxillary sinus (MS). This study aimed to compare the recurrence rates of IPs originating from the MS according to various surgical modalities. (2) Methods: A total of 155 surgical cases of sinonasal IPs originating from the MS were categorized into three groups according to the surgical approach adopted: endoscopic resection via middle or inferior meatus antrostomy (ESS), ESS with Caldwell−Luc approach or canine fossa trephination (ESS with CL), and expanded endoscopic approaches (ExEA) including endoscopic medial maxillectomy or a prelacrimal recess approach. A Kaplan−Meier curve was generated to examine the recurrence rates. (3) Results: The overall recurrence rate was 5.8% (9/155) with a mean follow-up period of 24.2 months. The recurrence rates for the ESS, ESS with CL, and ExEA groups were 10.0% (7/70), 3.5% (2/57), and 0% (0/28), respectively. The ExEA group had a significantly lower recurrence rate than the ESS group (p = 0.024) and there was a tendency for lower recurrence compared to the ESS within the CL group (p = 0.145). The ExEA required a shorter postoperative hospitalization period than in ESS with CL (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: ExEAs to the maxillary sinus such as the PLR and EMM approaches are excellent surgical options for IPs originating from the MS.

Assessment of the anterior superior alveolar nerve and its impact on surgery of the lateral nasal wall

BACKGROUND

The anterior superior alveolar nerve (ASAN) plays a major role in innervation of the lateral nasal wall. Its damage during nasal surgery can cause dental paraesthesia and numbness around the upper lip.

METHODOLOGY

Retrospective evaluation of the computed tomographic (CT) scans of 50 consecutive patients analysing 100 sides. We measured the mean distance from the shoulder of the inferior turbinate to the descending portion of the anterior superior alveolar nerve, to the anterior superior alveolar canal and the anterior-posterior distance between the 'shoulder' of the inferior turbinate and the pyriform aperture.

RESULTS

The mean distance from the shoulder of the inferior turbinate to the descending portion of the anterior superior alveolar nerve was 6.4 ± 2.33 mm, with no difference between sides The mean relative height of the shoulder in relation to the anterior superior alveolar nerve canal was 4.78 ± 2.31mm with no significant difference between the two sides. The anterior-posterior distance between the 'shoulder' of inferior turbinate and the pyriform aperture was 6.96± 2.28mm, with no significant difference between the two sides.

CONCLUSIONS

We found the anterior superior alveolar nerve to be a constant landmark in the lateral nasal wall. Therefore, the course of the ASAN should be assessed on a CT scan when a surgical approach through the pyriform aperture or anterior medial wall of the maxillary sinus is planned.

Endoscopic Modified Medial Maxillectomy for Inverted Papilloma of the Maxillary Sinus

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) is a benign tumor that can be surgically managed by an endoscopic approach. However, SNIP has a high recurrence rate, mainly due to incomplete resection.

AIM

This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy in treating SINP originating from the maxillary sinus.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed 24 patients treated for SNIP via endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy at our institution between August 2014 and June 2019. During surgery, the mucosa involved in the tumor was stripped, and the bone underlying the tumor base was completely excised. Demographic data, surgical technique, location of SNIP attachment, complications, follow-up duration, and recurrence were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty four patients with SNIP were identified (16 males). All patients had Krouse stage-III disease. Eleven patients presented with single attachment and 13 with multiple attachments. None of the patients had any complications during surgery. Four patients had postsurgical facial numbness around the cheek and upper lip. After a mean follow-up of 35.12 ± 14.98 months, no recurrence of SNIP was observed.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy is a safe and effective technique for treating SNIP. Recurrence can be reduced by complete excision of the attachment sites.

Extended Anterior Inferior Approach to Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy for Maxillary Sinus Lesions

BACKGROUND

Myriad open and endoscopic approaches are employed to resect maxillary sinus lesions, each with associated advantages and disadvantages. The inferior and anterior portion of the sinus remains a challenging space to access.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the extended anterior inferior approach to endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EAMM) as a novel and valuable addition to a stepwise approach for minimizing surgical morbidity without compromising tumor outcomes. To report the outcomes of patients treated with this approach.

METHODS

A retrospective case series study of 9 patients who underwent EAMM between 2016 and 2019 at a tertiary care referral center was performed. The endoscopic technique is described. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 53 months. Intraoperative steps, including transection of the nasolacrimal duct and execution of an intraoperative dacryocystorhinostomy, were reviewed. Postoperative outcomes, including patient symptoms at follow-up and tumor recurrence, were recorded.

RESULTS

Adequate exposure with gross total tumor resection or margin-negative tumor resection was achieved in all cases. Sparing of the nasolacrimal duct was achieved in 2 patients. No patients reported persistent epiphora, empty nose syndrome, or changes in cosmesis such as alar or nasal tip collapse. One patient reported unilateral V2 hypoesthesia at 6 months postoperatively that had resolved by his next follow-up 18 months after surgery. Postoperative tumor surveillance was achieved by endoscopic examinations in all patients and there was no evidence of tumor recurrence at a median follow-up of 22 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The EAMM provides improved access to the inferior-posterior-medial maxillary sinus. This approach minimizes the risk of hypoesthesia and change in cosmesis present in other approaches, and obviates division of the nasolacrimal duct for inferior, posterior-medial attached lesions. This progressive escalation of approach for maxillary sinus lesions minimizes injury to nasal and nasolacrimal structures without compromising tumor outcomes.

Efficacy of the Endoscopic Triportal Transmaxillary Approach for Treating Lateral Middle Skull Base Tumors: A Technical Note and Retrospective Case Series

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic approach, chiefly via the maxillary sinus, has growing applications for the lateral skull base, and can be classified into the use of "endonasal" or "sublabial" entry. Although the endonasal transmaxillary approach has been well accepted, it has a limitation with respect to the lateral exposure. A possible solution is the use of the sublabial transmaxillary approach via the canine fossa, which assures lateral accessibility. In clinical practice, we have taken advantage of the concomitant use of the endonasal and sublabial transmaxillary approach for selected patients harboring lateral skull base lesions. In addition to binostril pathways, canine fossa trephination was constructed to facilitate this combined approach, termed the endoscopic triportal transmaxillary approach (ETTA).

METHODS

The efficacy of the ETTA was evaluated within a case series. A single-institution retrospective analysis was performed in patients with lateral middle skull base tumors treated via ETTA.

RESULTS

In clinical practice, 4 patients were eligible for the study, including 1 receiving a combined endoscopic and transcranial approach. No major complications occurred in patients included in this series. The ETTA facilitated the dynamic manipulation of instruments, which led to rapid hemostasis and the satisfactory surgical resection of tumors. Furthermore, it reduced intraoperative postural stress experienced by the surgeons who performed the procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The concomitant use of the trans-canine fossa approach effectively ameliorated significant technical challenges that tend to occur when using a purely endonasal approach. The ETTA can be an attractive option for treating lateral and middle skull base lesions.

Modified endoscopic Denker approach in management of inverted papilloma of the anterior maxillary sinus

BACKGROUND

Inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign epithelial tumor of the sinonasal cavity that is locally aggressive and has a propensity for recurrence. Tumors involving the anterior maxillary sinus can be challenging to reach endoscopically, and have historically been approached through a Caldwell-Luc or canine fossa trephination. We present a case series of 22 patients with maxillary IPs originating from the anterior wall, which were successfully resected using a modified endoscopic Denker (MED) procedure. This technique enables access to the entire maxillary sinus without the need for a separate transseptal or sublabial incision.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent the MED approach for management of maxillary IPs involving the anterior wall from 2012 to 2018. The demographic data, clinical presentation, radiographic findings, pathology, and surgical outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were identified, including 13 males and 9 females. Eighteen of the 22 patients had prior surgery and all had Krouse stage 3 disease. After a mean follow-up of 24 (range, 4-63) months, only 1 patient (4.5%) developed a recurrence, which was treated successfully with endoscopic resection. Complications included 1 patient with preoperative epiphora who required dacryocystorhinostomy, epistaxis in another, and 1 patient with transient upper lip numbness. No patients developed alar notching or pyriform aperture stenosis.

CONCLUSION

The MED technique is highly effective for surgical resection of primary and recurrent maxillary IPs involving the anterior wall, providing complete access to the entire maxillary sinus. In many cases, the MED can obviate the need for an adjunctive sublabial or transseptal incision, while also providing excellent exposure for postoperative surveillance.

Surgery of Inverted Papilloma of the Maxillary Sinus via Translacrimal Approach-Long-Term Outcome and Literature Review

There are several differential diagnoses of unilateral sinus disease. One of these is inverted papilloma (IP) of the maxillary sinus, which is a common benign tumor with a substantial rate of malignant transformation. In general, endoscopic endonasal techniques for addressing the tumor are favored nowadays instead of classical external approaches. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the long-term outcome of inverted papilloma treated endoscopically via the prelacrimal approach. We reviewed 17 patients with primary or recurrent IP of the maxillary sinus that were treated via the prelacrimal endoscopic endonasal technique. After a median follow-up period of 45.9 months (3.8 years), none of the 17 included patients showed signs of recurrent disease and no serious complications were reported. Hypoesthesia of the incisors was reported by four patients and was resolved with time in one. All of the maxillary sinuses could be fully visualized with the flexible endoscope. IP is an important differential diagnosis in the clinical finding of unilateral nasal polypoid lesions. The prelacrimal approach is an effective and safe method in the treatment of IP with limited patient morbidity.

Anatomical Variants of the Infraorbital Canal: Implications for the Prelacrimal Approach to the Orbital Floor

Background

The infraorbital nerve (ION) and its canal are important landmarks during surgical approaches to the orbital floor and pterygopalatine fossa. However, variations in the anatomy of the infraorbital canal and its corresponding neurovascular bundle may impact the access.

Objective

To investigate anatomic variants of the infraorbital canal from a prelacrimal endoscopic perspective and to explore the impact of these variants on exposing the lateral orbital floor.

Methods

Ten cadaveric specimens (20 sides) were dissected through an endonasal prelacrimal approach. Anatomic variants of the ION including location, branching pattern, and relationship to the infraorbital artery were assessed. The need for ION transposition to increase exposure of the lateral orbital floor was also investigated.

Results

Incidence of previously described Types 1, 2, and 3 ION variants were 30.0%, 60.0%, and 10.0%, respectively. Although the orbital floor could be directly accessed in Type 1 and Type 3 IONs, transposition of the ION was necessary to expose the lateral orbital floor in 5 of 12 sides (42%) for Type 2 ION. Bony dehiscence of the orbital floor was identified in 8 of 20 sides (40%) and branching of the ION in 2 of 20 sides (10%).

Conclusion

Anatomic variations of the infraorbital canal impact surgical exposure of the orbital floor via a prelacrimal approach. Type 1 and Type 3 ION variants allow a direct exposure of the entire orbital floor. A Type 2 ION may require transposition of the nerve to adequately expose the lateral orbital floor.

Comparison Between Endoscopic Prelacrimal Medial Maxillectomy and Caldwell-Luc Approach for Benign Maxillary Sinus Tumors

Objectives

Endoscopic prelacrimal medial maxillectomy (EPMM) was previously reported to treat maxillary inverted papilloma. This study aimed to compare prelacrimal recess approach with the conventional Caldwell-Luc approach (CLA) to remove benign maxillary sinus tumors and to evaluate the usefulness of this approach based on our experience.

Methods

Ten patients who underwent EPMM at our hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 were reviewed. We also reviewed 30 patients who underwent benign maxillary sinus tumor resection via CLA during the same period. From medical records, postoperative pathological results, complications due to surgery, and recurrence rate were evaluated.

Results

There were eight inverted papilloma, one ameloblastoma, and one ossifying fibroma in the EPMM group. In the CLA group, all 30 cases were inverted papilloma. There were no cases of failure at gross total removal during surgery, and no recurrences were observed during follow-up in either groups. Mean follow-up period was 13.0 months in CLA group and 10.8 months in EPMM group. Regarding postoperative complications, 11 patients of the CLA group (37%) and three patients of the EPMM group (30%) had numbness around the cheek and upper lip area after surgery (P=0.715). In the CLA group, there were eight patients who had numbness lasting more than 3 months after surgery, and two patients had numbness for more than 1 year. However, facial numbness disappeared within 3 months in all patients in the EPMM group, in which epiphora was not observed.

Conclusion

EPMM is the effective surgical approach for resecting benign maxillary sinus tumor compared with CLA. Although facial numbness was reported in EPMM, the duration of numbness was shorter than CLA.

Principal Clinical Factors Predicting Therapeutic Outcomes After Surgical Drainage of Postoperative Cheek Cysts: Experience From a Single Center

Objectives

Postoperative cheek cyst (POCC) is a late postoperative complication of radical maxillary sinus surgery including the Caldwell-Luc (C-L) operation. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of surgical treatment for POCC and to assess the clinical factors correlated to these outcomes.

Methods

This study included 57 patients (67 nostrils) diagnosed with POCC who underwent surgical drainage. The medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed for radiological findings, treatment modalities, residual symptoms, and recurrences.

Results

In total, 30 patients were male and 27 patients were female with a mean age of 55 years, and the patients were usually diagnosed with POCC 28.2 years after radical surgery. Endonasal endoscopic marsupialization was performed via inferior meatal antrostomy, and if possible, middle meatal antrostomy was performed at the same time. In patients with cysts that were difficult to reach using an endonasal endoscopic approach, additional open C-L approaches were performed. The median follow-up period was 19.4 months. Overall, adequate drainage and symptomatic relief were achieved in 91% (61/67) of the patients. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients who had anterolateral POCC. Failure to achieve symptomatic relief was correlated to a smaller cyst and the use of the open C-L approach for drainage.

Conclusion

The location and size of the cyst as well as the use of the open surgical approach were important factors in predicting the therapeutic outcome of POCC. The time point of treatment and surgical approaches should be based on the above-mentioned findings.

Minimally Invasive Lateral Endoscopic Multiport Approach to the Infratemporal Fossa: A Cadaveric Study

BACKGROUND

Expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches to the infratemporal fossa (ITF) are increasingly performed owing to improved visualization and less morbidity compared with classic open approaches. Only a few studies in the literature investigated lateral endoscopic access to the ITF. The aim of this study was to examine the ITF with the minimally invasive endoscopically assisted Gillies approach with a trial of its expansion through a double port technique.

METHODS

The ITF was examined in 10 sides of 5 cadaveric heads using a lateral endoscopic assisted approach. A double portal technique was developed to allow bimanual dissection. Specific long angled skull base instruments were used for dissection under stereotactic guidance.

RESULTS

The endoscopic assisted Gillies approach permitted minimally invasive access to the complete anteroposterior extension of the ITF with sufficient mobility of surgical instruments. A new anatomic classification for the ITF from a lateral endoscopic perspective was introduced. The addition of the second port allowed bimanual dissection.

CONCLUSIONS

This cadaveric study shows the feasibility of an endoscopically assisted lateral approach to the ITF. The addition of a posterior port expands the approach through increasing the working area and enabling a bimanual dissection technique. Performed alone or combined with an anterior endoscopic transnasal approach, this technique offers minimally invasive access to the ITF. The development of specifically designed instruments would further improve this promising approach.

Application of the endoscopic prelacrimal recess approach to the maxillary sinus in unilateral maxillary diseases

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic endonasal prelacrimal recess approach to the maxillary sinus provides wide access to the walls and recesses of the maxillary sinus, and its use has been reported in many maxillary sinus and skull base diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the indication and feasibility of endoscopic sinus surgery using the prelacrimal recess approach in unilateral maxillary sinus diseases.

METHODS

We reviewed 192 cases of unilateral maxillary sinus diseases; over 2 years, 15 cases underwent endoscopic surgery via the prelacrimal recess approach. Data regarding preoperative computed tomography scans, operative findings, postoperative pathological diagnoses, postoperative complications, and disease recurrences were obtained from medical records.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent surgery via the prelacrimal recess approach did so mostly because tumors were present in the maxillary sinuses (12/15; 80%), while most of the patients in this study underwent surgery because of chronic inflammation (122/177; 68.9%) and fungal infections (40/177; 22.6%). Among 15 patients undergoing surgery via the prelacrimal recess approach, 9 were cases of inverted papilloma. The mean follow-up period was 16.5 months (range, 6 to 28 months). No postoperative complications occurred after the prelacrimal recess approach. One out of the 15 cases undergoing the prelacrimal recess approach had tumor recurrence CONCLUSION: Most chronic inflammation and fungal infections of the unilateral maxillary sinuses can be managed through a middle meatal antrostomy. The endoscopic prelacrimal recess approach is a reliable and effective method used to approach maxillary sinus diseases.

Novel approach to the maxillary sinusitis after sinus graft

Background

Postoperative infection occurs when bone graft material is dislodged into the maxillary sinus cavity and most of the patients are often uncomfortable with the drainage and irrigation procedures to eradicate the infection. In this case report, we share a technique in treating patients with such condition.

Material and methods

A 47-year-old patient was referred after sinus elevation using the crestal socket osteotome, bone graft, and implant insertion at a local clinic. Clinical and radiographic findings confirmed the diagnosis of right maxillary sinusitis. A surgical and medical treatment regimen was applied.

Results

By using this technique for irrigation, we were able to achieve successful results, and the patient was satisfied due to less discomfort during the irrigation process.

Conclusion

This method is a patient-friendly technique for sinus irrigation. It is not only limited to sinus grafted patients, but also maxillary sinusitis patients in any other type of odontogenic infection.

Sinonasal organised haematoma: clinical features and successful application of modified transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy

OBJECTIVE

Although organised haematoma often induces bone thinning and destruction similar to malignant diseases, the aetiology of organised haematoma and the optimal treatment remain unclear. This paper presents the clinical features of individuals with organised haematoma, and describes cases in which a novel modified approach was successfully applied for resection of organised haematoma in the maxillary sinus.

METHOD

Pre-operative examination data were evaluated retrospectively. Modified transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy was employed.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients with organised haematoma were treated. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed heterogeneous enhancement in all patients. Eight patients underwent modified transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy, without complications such as facial numbness, tooth numbness, facial tingling, lacrimation and eye discharge. Dissection of the apertura piriformis and anterior maxillary wall was not necessary for any of these eight patients. No recurrence was observed.

CONCLUSION

Pre-operative examinations can be helpful in determining the likelihood of organised haematoma. Modified transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy appears to be a safe and effective method for organised haematoma resection.

Removal of Long-Term Broken Roots Displaced Into the Maxillary Sinus by Endoscopic Assistant

PURPOSE

This report presented a patient with 2 long-term broken roots displaced in left maxillary sinus. The residual root fragments made the patient uncomfortable in both mind and body and interfered with prosthodontics work. The application of endoscope combined with piezoelectric device both helps in removing the broken roots successfully with minimally surgical injury and preserves the residual alveolar bone.

METHODS

Computed tomography scans and 3-dimensional reconstructions located the broken roots. A 1.0 cm × 1.5  cm rectangle bone window on anterolateral sinus wall was opened by a piezoelectric device to place the endoscope and forcep into sinus. Two broken roots could be observed clearly via a endoscopic screen. They were removed by a mini goblet forcep completely and efficiently. A whole bone lid was replaced with a biological membrane to help repair bone defect after removing procedure.

RESULTS

The operation is about 20 minutes with endoscope and piezoelectric device helped to save a lot of time and provided excellent visual surgical field. Main postoperative adverse effects were swelling, numbness, and temporal no-vitality for the first premolar (24). Three months later, computed tomography shows the Schneiderian membrane thinned to around 0.8  mm. The bone lid is on its position and starts to perform synostosis. The 24 tooth is still dysesthetic and needs time to recover.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic surgery combined with a piezoelectric device has obvious advantage of minimizing surgical injury and providing excellent visibility of surgical field when removing long-term foreign bodies in maxillary sinus. It is efficient and protects the residual alveolar bone.

Quantification of maxillary sinus accessibility via a middle meatal antrostomy

OBJECTIVE

To quantify maxillary sinus volume and mucosal surface area (SA) that is accessible endoscopically via a middle meatal antrostomy and to explore the financial implications of using multiple disposable instruments for this procedure.

METHODS

Eight cadaver maxillary sinuses configured with image guidance software were evaluated. In each sinus, a standard middle meatal antrostomy was created, through which curved microdebriders of 15, 40, 70, and 120° were placed. The SA and volume of the region accessible by each microdebrider tip was calculated.

RESULTS

Mean maxillary sinus volume was 16.5 ± 2.5 cm(3) and mean SA was 31.0 ± 2.3 cm(2). The 15, 40, 70 and 120° microdebriders accessed an average of 10, 25, 41, and 66%, respectively, of the SA, and of 2, 9, 17, and 36%, respectively, of the volume. There was a trend toward improved accessibility of the superior half versus the inferior half of the maxillary sinus. When instruments of different degrees were combined to maximize accessibility, 81% of the SA of the sinus could be accessed.

CONCLUSIONS

Microdebriders with increasing curvatures allowed for greater access of the maxillary sinus mucosa through an middle meatal antrostomy. No single microdebrider curvature or combination of curvatures reached the entirety of the maxillary sinus wall. Knowledge about the area of reach for these blades can lead to lower per procedure costs.

Protrusion of the Infraorbital Nerve into the Maxillary Sinus on CT: Prevalence, Proposed Grading Method, and Suggested Clinical Implications

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The infraorbital nerve arises from the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve and normally traverses the orbital floor in the infraorbital canal. Sometimes, however, the infraorbital canal protrudes into the maxillary sinus separate from the orbital floor. We systematically studied the prevalence of this variant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 500 consecutive sinus CTs performed at our outpatient centers. The infraorbital nerve protruded into the maxillary sinus if the entire wall of the infraorbital canal was separate from the walls of the sinus. We recorded the length of the bony septum that attached the infraorbital canal to the wall of the maxillary sinus and noted whether the protrusion was bilateral. We also measured the distance from the inferior orbital rim where the infraorbital canal begins to protrude into the sinus.

RESULTS

There was a prevalence of 10.8% for infraorbital canal protrusion into the maxillary sinus and 5.6% for bilateral protrusion. The median length of the bony septum attaching the infraorbital canal to a maxillary sinus wall, which was invariably present, was 4 mm. The median distance at which the infraorbital nerve began to protrude into the sinus was 11 mm posterior to the inferior orbital rim.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this condition has been reported in only 3 patients previously, infraorbital canal protrusion into the maxillary sinus was present in >10% of our cohort. Identification of this variant on CT could help a surgeon avoid patient injury.

The intranasal endoscopic removal of schwannoma of the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae via the prelacrimal recess approach

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to analyze the results of a novel surgical method-the endoscopic prelacrimal recess approach (PLRA)-in patients with tumors involving the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and infratemporal fossa (ITF). The surgical technique and indications for this approach are also discussed.

METHODS

The authors analyzed data from 7 cases involving patients who underwent resection of PPF and ITF tumors by means of the endoscopic PLRA from 2004 to 2013. Preoperative and postoperative imaging studies were available in all cases and were reviewed. The surgical specimens were all confirmed to be schwannomas.

RESULTS

All tumors were completely resected via endoscopic PLRA. There were no recurrences noted over a 28-month follow-up period. In 4 cases, the patients experienced postoperative facial numbness during the first two weeks after surgery, which gradually lessened thereafter. One patient continued to have mild facial numbness at most recent follow-up. The numbness had fully resolved in the other 3 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The intranasal endoscopic removal of schwannoma from PPF and ITF via PLRA can spare the whole lateral nasal wall, resulting in a reduction in morbidity. This is a novel minimally invasive surgical method for PPF and ITF tumors.

Rare and Other Notable Complications in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

This article focuses on the rare and obscure complications of endoscopic sinus surgery. The majority of surgeons will not encounter these complications in their practice, but should be aware of their possibility. With knowledge of these rare complications, the surgeon can understand the possible avoidance as well as urgent management of these problems.

Variable extent of nasoantral window for resection of antrochoanal polyp: selection of the optimum endoscopic approach

The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term results of endoscopic sinus surgery in the treatment of antrochoanal polyps and the role of extending the middle meatal antrostomy on the expense of the inferior meatus in providing wide exposure and accessibility within the maxillary sinus to ensure complete removal of its antral portion. Thirty-six patients were reviewed. Two groups were identified: Group A including patients with antrochoanal polyps that were resected endoscopically through a classical wide middle meatal antrostomy and Group B which included those who underwent endoscopic removal via an extension of the antrostomy inferiorly through submucosal resection of the lateral bony skeleton of the inferior meatus. There were 13 female and 23 male patients with a mean age of 28 ± 9.4 years. The mean follow-up period was 20.4 ± 6.7 months. Six patients were recurrent after previous endoscopic surgery. Group A included 17 patients and the remaining 19 patients were assigned to Group B. Two patients from Group A developed symptomatic recurrence and were cured with revision extended antrostomy. Three patients showed endoscopic evidence of a developing cystic lesion within the maxillary sinus that was punctured through the wide antrostomy. Endoscopic resection is considered the main treatment modality of antrochoanal polyps. Modification of the technique through removal of the lateral bony skeleton of the inferior meatus with downward displacement of the inferior turbinate provided accessibility to the inferior and prelacrimal recesses of the maxillary sinus.

Minimally invasive transnasal medial maxillectomy for treatment of maxillary sinus and orbital pathologies

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive transnasal medial maxillectomy with preservation of the nasolacrimal duct may provide an alternative method for surgical treatment of selected maxillary sinus and inferior orbit pathology if more extensive endonasal or external approach procedures are to be avoided.

OBJECTIVES

To present a modification of the transnasal endoscopic approach to the maxillary sinus leading through its medial wall, anteriorly to the nasolacrimal duct that considerably improves access to the antero-inferior part of the maxillary sinus and entire orbital floor. To discuss indications for the procedure along with surgical outcome after at least 12 months of follow-up.

METHODS

A total of 22 selected patients with extensive/refractory inflammatory maxillary sinus disease that could not be cleared completely through middle meatal antrostomy or pathologies of the inferior orbit that required uncompromised access to the orbital floor were operated with this method. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated through clinical symptomatology and endoscopic examination to confirm eradication of the disease.

RESULTS

The presented method allowed for good overall symptom control and eradication of disease confirmed endoscopically in about 90% of cases with an inflammatory type of disease. The visualized reach within the maxillary sinus with commercially available endoscopic instruments was conspicuously improved as compared with middle meatal antrostomy.

Effect of maxillary sinus packing with epinephrine hydrochloride-soaked cotton pledgets on complications after canine fossa puncture

CONCLUSION

Bleeding control with epinephrine hydrochloride-soaked cotton packing in the maxillary sinus after canine fossa puncture (CFP) during operation is a simple method for reducing complications, especially those associated with blood leakage from the maxillary sinus into the subcutaneous tissue.

OBJECTIVE

Although CFP is a useful method for extensive maxillary sinus disease, complications can occur associated with nerve injuries or mucosal bleeding. We evaluated whether maxillary sinus packing with epinephrine hydrochloride-soaked cotton pledgets would reduce complications after CFP.

METHODS

Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to groups 1 (packing) and 2 (no packing). Patients underwent unilateral or bilateral CFP. We compared the disease entities, complication incidence, and average symptom duration between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 57 patients were included. Group 1 underwent 36 CFPs, and complications occurred in 20 sides of 17 patients. Group 2 had 39 CFPs, and 20 patients experienced complications in 26 sides. The total number of complications was 40 and 73 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Incidence or duration of facial, dental, or gum numbness did not differ between groups. Tingling sensation, facial pain, facial swelling, and bruising showed significantly lower occurrence rates and shorter duration in group 1.

Canine fossa puncture for severe maxillary disease in unilateral chronic sinusitis with nasal polyp

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate the efficacy of canine fossa puncture (CFP) by comparing patients with unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) accompanying nasal polyposis (NP) who underwent CFP with those who underwent maxillary sinus clearance through a middle meatal antrostomy (MMA).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective randomized study.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients were randomly assigned to the CFP and MMA groups. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) established that all patients had severely diseased maxillary sinuses. Subjective outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Additionally, mucosal thickening was measured as a percentage of total maxillary sinus volume on CT images taken 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients who completed the follow-up, questionnaires, and postoperative CT evaluation were included in the analysis. SNOT-20 and VAS scores improved significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months postprocedure in both groups. However, significant improvement of SNOT-20 at 12 months and VAS scores for purulent discharge, foul odor, and postnasal drip at 6 and 12 months were observed in the CFP group compared with the MMA group. In addition, the volume of mucosal thickening was significantly greater in the MMA group than in the CFP group on postoperative CT images.

CONCLUSIONS

CFP is a useful method for the removal of severe maxillary mucosal disease that cannot be reached through MMA, and is superior to conventional MMA for improving subjective and objective outcomes in patients with unilateral CRS accompanying NP.

The canine fossa puncture technique in chronic odontogenic maxillary sinusitis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) including middle meatus antrostomy (MMA) has been advocated as the technique of choice in the treatment of maxillary chronic odontogenic sinusitis (COS). However, recently the endoscopic canine fossa puncture (CFP) has been proposed as an alternative surgical technique of accessing the entire antrum when pathology is limited only to the maxillary sinus. This study was designed to assess the outcomes of the CFP approach versus ESS (comprising MMA) in the management of COS.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed on patients with COS produced by odontogenic infections (periapical granulomas or small inflammatory cysts of the molars or bicuspids), oroantral fistula (OAF), large odontogenic cysts, and maxillary foreign bodies (dental fillings, teeth roots, and implants). Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: 56 patients underwent CFP and in 54 patients the maxillary sinus was approached through MMA. After a mean follow-up of 18.5 months, recurrence rates were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, OAF recurred in 10 patients: 4 in the MMA group (7.4%) and 6 in the CFP group (10.7%). The difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.39, Fisher exact test).

CONCLUSION

In patients with COS a conservative approach with avoidance of endonasal surgery is suggested: in COS without a fistula, CFP at the time of dental treatment will be sufficient. In OAF cases, CFP yielded similar results with MMA. Nevertheless, additional study with a larger sample and a longer follow-up is required to validate these results.

Comparison of maxillary sinus specimens removed during Caldwell-Luc procedures and traditional maxillary sinus antrostomies

The cases of 80 patients who underwent Caldwell-Luc surgery for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis between 2002 and 2007 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Department of Otolaryngology were reviewed. Data on demographics, comorbidities, details of surgery, surgical pathology, and histology were collected. These data were compared with those of 40 patients who underwent standard functional endoscopic sinus surgery in 2007. Statistically significant differences were found in terms of mean patient age, sex, mean number of sinuses surgically addressed, number of prior surgeries, and tissue eosinophil counts. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of "necrotic bone" in 2 Caldwell-Luc specimens, and "necrotic debris" in 2 other Caldwell-Luc specimens. No similar finding was seen in the control group. Caldwell-Luc is a surgery of last resort for patients who fail aggressive interventions for maxillary sinus disease. The mucosal lining of this small group of patients appears to be different from that of patients who respond favorably to functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Transantral balloon dilation plus posterior ethmoidectomy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Transantral endoscopic balloon dilatation (TABD) was recently introduced for the management of limited mild maxillary and ethmoid disease. An expanded approach by inserting surgical tools into the antrum via a second port, directed toward the maxillary ostium, ethmoid infundibulum, and posterior ethmoids will allow for the treatment of moderate disease as well.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective data review.

METHODS

A study including all TABD procedures performed between January and December 2009 was performed. Sublabial approach with two working channels, one for the endoscope and a second port for balloon dilatation or other surgical instrumentation, was devised. Both channels were created via mini-trephine aimed toward the osteo-meatal complex (OMC) with different angulations. The same approach was used for transantral posterior ethmoidectomy (TAPE). Data collected included demographics, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT) scores, Lund-Mackay score, and complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients with 64 dilated sinuses and 10 TAPE procedures were enrolled. All SNOT scores showed statistically significant improvement decreasing from 1.77 to 0.83. Complication rate was minimal. Only a small number of procedures were converted to standard endoscopic septoplasty (ESS) owing to severity of OMC disease. TAPE proved to be a minimally invasive procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Two trocars inserted through the canine fossa can achieve a successful result in moderate antral disease for TABD and allow TAPE to be performed, thus creating a bridge between mild disease and one requiring standard full ESS. The minimally invasive approach proved to be particularly useful.

Cadaveric comparison of canine fossa vs transnasal maxillary sinus access

OBJECTIVE

Anatomic limitations complicate complete eradication of debris from the maxillary sinus using an exclusively transnasal (TN) endoscopic technique. Creation of a canine fossa trephination (CFT) permits a more direct approach than removal via the maxillary ostium.

METHODS

Microdebrider eradication of debris completely filling the maxillary sinus was performed on 5 thawed fresh-frozen cadaver heads (10 sides) using a TN or CFT approach. Postdebridement computed tomography (CT) scanning assessed remaining debris. Additional outcome measures included time of debris removal, number of different angled blades utilized, and clogging.

RESULTS

A significantly greater amount of debris was left after the TN approach compared with CFT (3.88 cm(3) vs 2.88 cm(3), p = 0.015). Median blade utilization was significantly higher with the TN approach vs CFT (4 vs 1, p < 0.002). Time for debris eradication with CFT was similar regardless of expertise (323.4 vs 272.4 seconds, p = 0.21), but the TN approach showed a statistical difference in time-to-completion (698.8 vs 438.51 seconds, p = 1.7 × 10(-5)).

CONCLUSION

Controversy surrounds the appropriate application of CFT due to disease process and approach-related morbidity. Rhinologists should have numerous well-studied options at their disposal. This model suggests that maxillary debris removal is accomplished more thoroughly with fewer microdebrider blades when a CFT approach is employed.

Assessing current technical limitations in the small-hole endoscopic approach to the maxillary sinus

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sinus surgery has evolved to become the standard surgical approach to address paranasal sinus disease. To access inflammatory mucosal disease and other benign processes, it is desirable to reach all parts of the maxillary sinus. This project explores the combination of three medial wall small-hole antrostomies with multiple angled microdebrider blades to determine if an ideal combination exists. A prospective cadaveric study was performed.

METHODS

Each 3.5-mm blade was passed through the natural ostium and two separate inferior meatal antrostomies. The space reached by the tip of four different microdebrider blades (12, 60, 90 and 120°) within each maxillary sinus was mapped using an image guidance system. Percent volume of the sinus reached and access to subsites were determined.

RESULTS

Regardless of instrument or antrostomy combination, mean percent volume of maxillary sinus reached was 28% (range, 24-34%). The anterior wall was rarely reached by any combination, with the best blade/antrostomy combination (90° blade/anterior inferior antrostomy) only reaching 28% of the anterior wall. Likewise, the floor of the maxillary sinus was also poorly reached in general. The lateral and posterior maxillary sinus walls were most reliably reached with the roof and medial walls being intermediate.

CONCLUSION

Using the endoscopic small-hole approach to the maxillary sinus results in <⅓ of the sinus being routinely reached regardless of antrostomy or angled microdebrider instrument selected. Further study and development of new technologies to more thoroughly reach benign processes within the maxillary sinus via a small-hole approach is warranted.

Simultaneous inferior and middle meatus antrostomies in the treatment of the severely diseased maxillary sinus

BACKGROUND

Although the majority of the maxillary pathology can be eradicated through the enlarged middle meatus antrostomy (MMA), some patients have extensive disease that is difficult to cope with. The aim of this study was to estimate the usefulness of simultaneous middle and inferior meatal antrostomies (MIMAs) in cases with severely diseased maxillary sinus by comparing the subjective and objective outcomes between patients that underwent MIMA and those who experienced maxillary clearance through conventional MMA.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed on patients with nasal polyps and severely diseased maxillary sinus (Lund-Mackay CT score = 2). All diseased sinuses were addressed with the same endoscopic sinus surgery technique; the only difference consisted of the management of the maxillary sinus: 34 patients underwent MIMAs and in 38 cases maxillary sinus was approached solely through the MMA. After 12 months of follow-up, outcomes consisted of the visual analog scale (VAS) for the main symptoms, the Lund-Mackay and maxillary sinus endoscopic scores, and the percent of airspace occluded by inflammatory mucosal thickening on CT.

RESULTS

Subjective improvement in VAS scores for nasal obstruction, facial pain, and nasal discharge/retronasal drip was significantly better in the MIMA group. The mucosal thickening as expressed by the CT scan and maxillary endoscopic score was significantly reduced in the MIMA group.

CONCLUSION

The MIMA technique is useful for removing severe disease that can not be reached through the MMA and yields both better subjective and better objective outcomes. The additional inferior antrostomy most likely improves drainage and ventilation in the postoperative period.

Weakness of buccal branch of facial nerve after canine fossa puncture

Objective:

We report a case of weakness of the buccal branch of the facial nerve after a canine fossa puncture procedure.

Method:

A case report and literature review are presented.

Results:

A 52-year-old woman diagnosed with right chronic maxillary sinusitis underwent canine fossa puncture during endoscopic sinus surgery. Immediately after the operation, she complained of motor weakness of the right upper lip and oral commissure, in the area innervated by the buccal branch of the facial nerve. Electroneurography revealed incomplete paralysis of the right buccal branch. However, facial weakness had recovered spontaneously by three months post-operatively, with no permanent disability.

Conclusion:

This is the first reported case of an injury to the buccal branch of the facial nerve following canine fossa puncture. Although the incidence of this complication is very low, surgeons should inform their patients of the possibility, and should take care when choosing the puncture site.

Canine fossa trephine for the severely diseased maxillary sinus

BACKGROUND

The appropriate surgical approach to the severely diseased maxillary sinus is still debatable. Some advocate creating a wide maxillary antrostomy to allow for increased ventilation and improved delivery of postoperative medication. Others, however, recommend more aggressive surgery with complete clearance of all diseased tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of canine fossa puncture and canine fossa trephine (CFT) for the severely diseased maxillary sinus.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 97 patients who underwent a CFT as a part of endoscopic sinus surgery or modified Lothrop procedure. Outcomes were measured in terms of the maxillary sinus endoscopy grade at last follow-up and need for revision surgery. Two groups were formed: those who experienced recurrence of disease and those who were disease free at last follow-up. A comparison was made between the two groups and differences were noted.

RESULTS

A CFT was performed in 97 patients with nasal polyposis (NP) who had an average number of 2.38 previous sinus surgeries. At an average follow-up of 27.8 months, 80 of the patients were disease free. In 17 patients disease recurred, and 11 of those required revision surgery with a CFT. Those patients who had recurrence of disease tended to be more allergic, have higher Lund-Mackay score, and had an increased number of prior sinus surgeries. In addition, allergic fungal sinusitis was associated with a poorer prognosis after CFT.

CONCLUSION

CFT allows for complete clearance of all gross disease in the maxillary sinus. CFT decreases the chance of disease recurrence in patients with severe NP.

Fungus ball of the paranasal sinuses: experience in 160 patients treated with endoscopic surgery

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Herein we present our experience in the management of fungus ball (FB) of the paranasal sinuses. Preoperative imaging strategy and findings, surgical technique, and pathologic and microbiologic results are discussed.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of patients with FB of the paranasal sinuses who underwent endoscopic surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Brescia, Italy.

METHODS

From January 1990 to December 2006, 160 patients with sinonasal fungus ball were treated with a purely endoscopic approach. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging; an endo-oral dental x-ray or orthopantomography and odontological evaluation were also performed in patients with maxillary sinus localization. All removed material was sent for pathologic and microbiologic evaluation. All patients were prospectively followed with endoscopic control every 2 months during the first postoperative year and subsequently every 6 months.

RESULTS

The patient cohort included 118 females and 42 males, with an age from 19 to 85 years (mean, 52.7 years). FB was located in the maxillary sinus in 135 (84.4%) patients; in two cases both sinuses were affected. Sphenoid and ethmoid involvement was observed in 23 (14.4%) and 1 (0.6%) patients, respectively. Simultaneous ethmoid and sphenoid involvement was found in one (0.6%) case. In all patients complete removal of fungal debris was obtained through wide sinusotomy. No recurrence was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment for paranasal sinuses FB. A proper imaging study by MR and/or CT can address diagnosis, which is based upon detection of fungal hyphae at histology.

Changes in the maxillary sinus volume and the surgical outcome after the canine fossa puncture approach in pediatric patients with an antrochoanal polyp: results of a minimum 3-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

An antrochoanal polyp (ACP) originates from the maxillary antrum and simple excision results in high recurrence rates. Canine fossa puncture (CFP) has been proposed as an alternative method of accessing the entire maxillary antrum. To investigate the long-term effects of the CFP approach on changes in the maxillary sinus volume in pediatric patients with an ACP, we compared the sinus volume on the operated and normal sides, using preoperative computed tomography (CT), and postoperative CT performed at least 3 years after the procedure. The surgical outcomes were also assessed using endoscopic and CT findings.

METHODS

Seven patients met the inclusion criteria and the ACP was removed via the CFP approach. After a mean follow-up period of 43.9 months, we compared the changes in the maxillary sinus volume between the operated and normal sides, using the pre- and postoperative CT data.

RESULTS

No contractures or decrease in the maxillary sinus volume on the diseased side were observed in any of the patients on postoperative CT, and the average volume of both maxillary sinuses was greater on postoperative CT compared with the preoperative scans. None of the patients showed evidence of recurrence on the endoscopic and CT examinations.

CONCLUSION

CFP did not affect the maxillary sinus volume in pediatric patients with an ACP and led to a successful surgical outcome in all of the patients. Based on these results, we recommend CFP as a safe, effective method for the treatment of ACP.

Submucous inferior turbinotomy cooperating with combined antrostomies for endonasal eradication of severe and intractable sinusitis

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to prove the usefulness of submucous inferior turbinotomy cooperating with the combined middle and the inferior antrostomies in endoscopic endonasal sinus surgery (ESS), enabling the eradication of severe maxillary sinusitis without extranasal approaches. The long-term surgical outcomes of 22 adult patients are presented together with details of this procedure.

METHODS

Subjects comprised 22 adult patients with severe unilateral maxillary sinusitis, showing total opacification on computed tomography and failure of medical treatments preoperatively. Patients who could be managed using conventional ESS methods were excluded. Endoscopic submucous resection of the inferior turbinate bone including the uncinate process was first performed. The procedure aimed to make both the middle and the inferior nasal meatus wide enough to eradicate the sinus disease, cooperating with combined antrostomies.

RESULTS

Pathology comprised multiple massive polyposis including antrochoanal polyps in 6 and fungal ball in 16 patients. Neither surgical complications nor recurrent disease was seen postoperatively in any patient. Postoperative endoscopic management via both openings was easy and facilitated the restoration of mucosal lining in the sinus.

CONCLUSION

We proved our new surgical procedure was useful in ESS without any extranasal approaches, although applied to unilateral lesions in the current study. Postoperative management via the middle and the inferior meatal openings helped to facilitate postoperative mucosal healing.

Canine fossa approaches in endoscopic sinus surgery - our experience

OBJECTIVE

To define the role of canine fossa approach when standard endoscopic endonasal sinus surgery technique fails.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of all endoscopic sinus surgeries performed from 1992 to 2007.

RESULT

Out of 1612 endoscopic sinus surgeries for various indications, CFA was used in 80 patients (4.96%) and among this 15 had bilateral procedure.The various diseases which required CFA were allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS), Fungal ball, Chronic invasive aspergillosis,antro choanal polyp, inflammatory polyp, Mucocoele and Maxillary cyst,inverted papilloma and Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA). Eight patients had minor complications (cheek swelling-6, facial pain-2 ) which resolved in 5 days.

CONCLUSION

Canine fossa approach offers an ancillary approach to failed standard endoscopic endonasal technique thereby avoiding other more invasive procedures.

Is the canine fossa puncture approach really necessary for the severely diseased maxillary sinus during endoscopic sinus surgery?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the necessity of canine fossa puncture (CFP) by comparing the symptom scores and postoperative computed tomography (CT) findings between patients with severe maxillary sinus disease who underwent CFP and those who underwent maxillary sinus clearance through a middle meatal antrostomy (MMA).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, randomized study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria for each of the CFP and MMA groups. In both groups, all diseased sinuses were addressed in the same manner using the same surgical techniques; the only difference was management of the maxillary sinus. Most of the patients completed the Sinonasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20) and visual analogue scales (VAS) for the six main symptoms preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The Lund-Mackay scores for the maxillary sinus and for all sinuses were calculated from the preoperative CT scan and another scan taken 12 months postoperatively. The mucosal thickening as a percentage of the total volume of the maxillary sinus was also evaluated on the postoperative CT scans, and complications related to both procedures were investigated.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients completed the follow-up, questionnaires, and postoperative CT scans and were included in the analysis: 11 CFP patients and 13 MMA patients. All of the patients had chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (NP). There were no significantdifferences in polyp extent or Lund-Mackay score for the maxillary sinus and for all sinuses on the pre- and postoperative CT scans between the groups. The volume of mucosal thickening also did not differ significantly between the groups on the postoperative CT scans. The SNOT-20 and VAS scores improved significantly 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure in both groups. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups except for the VAS for postnasal drip 3 months postoperatively, which was better in the CFP group. Six of 11 patients in the CFP group experienced one or more complications after the procedure, although all of the symptoms resolved spontaneously within 3 months. In the MMA group, three patients had bleeding from the branches of the sphenopalatine artery during widening of the ostium, which was controlled intraoperatively with suction cauterization.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not find any benefits of the CFP procedure over the conventional MMA method in the present study. Although CFP is a useful method for removing severe mucosal disease that cannot be reached through the MMA, it does not guarantee a better subjective or objective surgical outcome in patients who have accompanying NP.

The incidence of complications using new landmarks and a modified technique of canine fossa puncture

BACKGROUND

Canine fossa puncture (CFP) is a technique that improves access to the maxillary sinus and may be required to ensure complete disease removal from this sinus. Traditional approaches through the canine fossa often have resulted in injury to branches of the infraorbital nerve. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, severity, and duration of complications using recently described. landmarks for determining the optimal site for anatomically directed CFP (aCFP) and a new endoscopic retractor and drill guide that enable endoscopically guided canine fossa trephination (eCFT). These complication rates have been compared with those that we have described previously using a standard technique of CFP.

METHODS

A total of 63 patients were included with 36 bilateral procedures giving a total number of 99 procedures performed. Of these, 32 procedures were performed using anatomic landmarks (aCFP) and 67 were performed with additional endoscopic guidance (eCFT). Patients were assessed at a mean time of 12.6 months (range, 3-26 months) after surgery by telephonic survey and their complications were assessed and graded for severity on a 0- to 10-point scale.

RESULTS

The combined frequency of adverse events after aCFP and eCFT were 45% compared with the previously reported 76% with the traditional technique (p = 0.001). The number of patients complaining of persisting adverse effects was reduced from 29% after CFP to 5% after aCFP and eCFT (p < 0.001). The 67 eCFT technique had a significantly lower frequency of adverse events (40%) than the aCFP technique (53%; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The recently described landmarks to site the CFP result in statistically fewer complications. This complication rate is further reduced if CFT is performed under direct endoscopic vision.

Endoscopic radical antrectomy: a permanent replacement for the Caldwell-Luc operation

INTRODUCTION

Chronic inflammation of sinus mucosa is a multifactorial condition which sometimes results in irreversible pathological mucosal changes.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic radical antrectomy in treating chronic, hyperplastic, eosinophilic sinusitis, and to compare this procedure with classical endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomised, controlled trial with parallel design was conducted between July 2000 and December 2004, including 119 patients who fulfilled the clinical, radiological and histopathological criteria for chronic, hyperplastic, eosinophilic sinusitis. Patients were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: classical endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy and endoscopic radical antrectomy. The main outcome measures were recorded in each subgroup at the time of the patient's last clinic visit. In each subgroup, these included subjective improvement and evaluation of the endoscopic appearance of the maxillary sinus.

RESULTS

Thirty-two per cent of patients in the endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy group were considered surgical failures, compared with 14.5 per cent of the endoscopic radical antrectomy group. This was statistically significant (p = 0.023). Unhealthy maxillary sinuses were significantly more prevalent in the endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy group (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

In those patients fulfilling the criteria suggestive of chronic, irreversible sinonasal pathology, primary endoscopic radical antrectomy was significantly better than endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy, based on subjective and objective findings.

Bibliography. Current world literature. Nose and paranasal sinuses

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with advanced head and neck cancer are being treated with chemo-radiotherapy, and life is being prolonged, with or without persistent disease, for longer than was previously. Hypercalcaemia may present in patients with advanced or disseminated head and neck cancer, and, as such, these patients may present to a larger variety of clinicians for advice concerning their symptoms and illness. Modes of presentation of hypercalcaemia and treatment strategies are reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

There were previously few large series of head and neck cancer patients diagnosed with hypercalcaemia, which may or may not have been related to their cancer being treated. Investigations, by way of blood/serum calcium level, may identify such patients. Patients with cancer-related hypercalcaemia have a poor prognosis, but many may respond temporarily to treatment when offered, with an improvement of their quality of life and death.

SUMMARY

Hypercalcaemia should and must be considered in all patients who have or possibly have a diagnosis of a head and neck cancer and who present unwell with symptoms of fatigue, lethargy and somnolence. Investigation must include serum calcium (corrected for serum albumin binding) and parathyroid hormone level. Patients may be treated by a combination of rehydration and bisulphonate therapy until the serum calcium is reduced to a level below 3 mmol/l. The majority of patients diagnosed with hypercalcaemia due to head and neck malignancy die of their diseases in the short term, but some may enjoy a prolongation of life with reasonable quality if diagnosed and treated aggressively.