Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy with Preservation of Inferior Turbinate and Nasolacrimal Duct

Abstract

Background Endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EMM) is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of inverted papilloma (IP) originating from the maxillary sinus. However, EMM usually removes the inferior turbinate and nasolacrimal duct. The inferior turbinate has a critical function in conditioning of the nasal airflow, and resection of the nasolacrimal ducts has a risk of epiphora. We developed a newly derived surgical technique, endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy (EMMM), which enables preservation of the inferior turbinate and nasolacrimal duct. Methods A retrospective case series of six patients with IP and nine patients with mucoceles of the maxillary sinus after a Caldwell-Luc operation, who underwent surgery using the EMMM technique, were reviewed. Results In patients with IP, there were no recurrences for a mean follow-up of 16.7 months. Eight of nine patients with mucoceles of the maxillary sinus showed patency. All patients showed preservation of the inferior turbinate. One patient with mucocele was referred for dacryocystorhinostomy because of epiphora. Conclusion EMMM produces access to the maxillary sinus identically to conventional EMM, despite preservation of the inferior turbinate and nasolacrimal duct.