Ostiomeatal complex preservation: Submucosal inferior antrostomy for maxillary sinus pathologies| ACTA Otorhinolaryngologica Italica

Abstract

Objective: Endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy (EIMA) is feasible for treating maxillary sinus pathologies. We describe submucosal inferior meatal antrostomy (SIMA), a new ostiomeatal complex (OMC) sparing technique based on EIMA.

Materials and methods: Medical records of patients who had SIMA for maxillary sinus pathologies were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included age, gender, presenting symptoms, preoperative and postoperative endoscopic and computed tomography findings, early follow-up duration, and complications.

Results: Twenty-two operated maxillary sinuses, in twenty patients, were included. Pathologies included displaced dental implant (n=4(, odontogenic sinusitis (6), retention cyst (5), antrochoanal polyp (5) and fungus ball (2). SIMA provided excellent access and view, and the ostiomeatal complex and the inferior meatus mucosa remained intact. Nineteen patients were completely cured following a fast recovery and needed no further intervention. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred, and recirculation was not observed. One case failed due to a persistent odontogenic infection.

Conclusions: SIMA provides good access and view when treating non-OMC-dependent maxillary sinus pathologies, while maintaining the integrity of the middle and inferior meatuses mucosa.