Temporary Submucosal Inferior Maxillary Antrostomy: A Modification of the Inferior Antrostomy

Cureus. 2023 Feb 2;15(2):e34530. doi: 10.7759/cureus.34530. eCollection 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Complete removal of maxillary sinus pathology can be challenging in specific locations. In the past, the Caldwell-Luc procedure was used for maxillary sinus disease. Currently, the endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy (EMMA) approach is used. However, it can often be difficult to reach certain locations of lesions by EMMA alone, requiring an endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy (EIMA), which has been reported in the literature to have numerous complications. Furthermore, multiple techniques have been suggested for a combined bi-meatal approach to remove such lesions. We present a case of a 17-year-old with a challenging antrochoanal polyp (ACP) location requiring EIMA. The patient underwent our modified technique of submucosal inferior antrostomy with mucosal flap with no observed intra-operative and post-operative complications. Maxillary sinus pathology can be challenging due to limited access to specific regions. In this case report, we present a novel technique to achieve a temporary inferior antrostomy through a minimally invasive approach with a promising post-operative course.

Keywords: antrochoanal polyp; inferior meatal antrostomy; maxillary sinus; maxillary sinusitis; middle meatus antrostomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports