Pre-lacrimal approach of maxillary sinus: experience of University of Chile Clinical Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillary sinus disease is frequent in otorhinolaryngology clinical practi- ce. The pre-lacrimal approach allows a wide access to the maxillary sinus, preserving the inferior turbinate and the nasolacrimal duct. Aim: To describe and analyze the characte- ristics of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with pre-lacrimal approach to the maxillary sinus at University of Chile Clinical Hospital. Material and Method: Re- trospective, descriptive study of all patients who underwent ESS for the treatment of any otorhinolaryngological pathology with pre-lacrimal approach, between 2015 and 2019. Variables analyzed include demographics, signs and symptoms and surgical complications. Results: This series includes 11 patients, with a mean age of 46.8 years at the time of sur- gery; 6 men and 5 women. The main diagnoses included inverted papilloma and recurrent antrochoanal polyp. All the patients were studied with nasal endoscopy and images, with computed tomography being the modality of choice. No major complications were observed at follow-up. Conclusion: The pre-lacrimal approach to the maxillary sinus is an alterna- tive to access this cavity, especially in well-selected patients. In our experience, the compli- cation rate is low. We report no recurrences so far.