Recent advances in microsurgery of the maxillary antrum.

A new and more detailed approach to the maxillary sinus is described. It has the advantage of avoiding the canine fossa and potential dental trauma. This procedure is performed intranasally and is accompanied by less morbidity than with the Caldwell-Luc operation. The opening into the sinus is small, thus minimizing bone removal. However, the interior of the antrum can be visualized sufficiently well to justify the procedure. A sinuscope and operating microscope compensate for the diminished exposure. In the majority of cases antral surgery is carried out for chronic sinus disease, and this procedure conforms to basic principles of adequate drainage and exteriorization of the sinus into the nasal cavity.