Chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin: is external surgical approach mandatory?

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated a minimally invasive endoscopic shaver-assisted technique for treatment of chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective multicenter chart review was performed at two clinics of all patients who had a diagnosis of chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin and were treated using the technique.

METHODS: The patients were divided into two main groups: patients with and without chronic oral antral fistula. Data from the patients were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS: Seventy patients aged 16 to 62 years had surgery using the endoscopic technique. Thirty-nine patients presented with oral antral fistula of different locations, the most common being third molar fistula (26 cases). Foreign bodies were found in 21 sinuses, among them teeth roots (in 11), dental fillings (in 7), and packs (in 3). Fungal ball was found in six sinuses. The surgical technique included retrograde resection of the uncinate process, enlargement of the natural maxillary ostium posteriorly, and removal of the polyps and foreign bodies from the sinus through the middle meatal antrostomy window. Approach through the oral antral fistula facilitated additional access to the alveolar recess. Removal of polyps from the alveolar recess was performed using the microdebrider, which was introduced through the fistula under endoscopic control through the nasoantral window. The fistula was closed in two layers. Good results were obtained in all but four patients in terms up to 3 years. No complications occurred. Overall recovery rate after primary surgery was 94.7%.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic approach to chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin is a new, reliable method associated with less morbidity and lower incidence of complications.