The use of nasoantral windows

Abstract

Maxillary sinus operations can be performed using the classical Caldwell-Luc approach. In this article, 30 maxillary sinus explorations via the canine fossa were accomplished in 27 patients without complete exenteration of sinus mucosa and without nasoantral windows. Postoperative results showed that the mucociliary function of the maxillary sinus has a great tendency to regain its normal physiologic activity in a short period of time if the great majority of sinus mucosa is spared. With this approach, intranasal antrostomies done to prevent postoperative antral collections can be eliminated in certain instances. © 1991, W.B. Saunders Company.. All rights reserved.