ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Italian Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery 2011 June;22(2):73-7

Copyright © 2012 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery with double approach for the treatment of chronic maxillary rhinosinusitis: authors’ experience

Viterbo S., Griffa A., Boffano P.

Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy

Aim. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is now the surgical procedure of choice for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to medical treatment. FESS is a set of minimally invasive techniques that permit direct visualization and opening of the sinuses. The aim of this article was to present and discuss our surgical experience in the treatment of chronic sinusitis performing functional endoscopic sinus surgery with a double approach.
Methods. A retrospective review of charts of patients treated at the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Turin, Italy, from January 1, 2001, to June 30, 2009, was performed. Patients who underwent FESS with double approach for maxillary sinusitis were included in the study. Data collected included age, gender, cause of chronic rhinosinusitis, side of interested maxillary sinus, postoperative complications, and their management.
Results. Ninety-one patients underwent FESS for chronic rhinosinusitis. Indications for intervention were: chronic sinusitis associated with polyposis, maxillary mucocele, mycosis, odontogenic cyst, displaced dental root, displaced dental implant, foreign bodies, lynphangioma. Complete recovery of paranasal sinus function and the disappearance of signs and symptoms of sinusitis were demonstrated in all patients. No major complications during or after endoscopic sinus surgery were observed.
Conclusion. The results of the present study population suggest that FESS with middle meatal antrostomy and associated intraoral surgical access from the canine fossa represent a safe, conservative, efficient, and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with different aetiology. It can provide symptomatic relief and open the drainage system within the nose.