Endoscopic-assisted approaches for enucleation of invaded sinonasal region by benign odontogenic cysts: a case series study

Abstract

Abstract Background During surgical planning for the excision of odontogenic cysts and tumors, surgeons should consider choosing the appropriate endoscopic approach to reach all parts of the maxillary sinus and cyst walls during its enucleation. Using the endoscopic trans-nasal approaches results in less than one-third of the maxillary sinus being reached regardless of antrostomy or angled instruments used. Also, the expansion process and involvement of maxillary sinuses in odontogenic cysts and tumors are variable, adding more difficulties during excision. This study aimed to assess the expansion process of large benign odontogenic cysts and tumors involving nasoantral regions and adaptability to different endoscopic approaches for enucleation. Six patients were included in this case series study. Preoperative panoramic views plain film radiography, and computed tomography scans were obtained. Lesion characteristics, relation to teeth origin, the nose, and maxillary sinus wall displacement, location of lesions about typical vertical and horizontal nasomaxillary constructions, and associated inflammation of the paranasal sinuses were evaluated. Three surgical approaches were tailored, allowing viewing and endoscopic enucleation. Results Four periapical (radicular) cysts, one ameloblastoma, and one calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, ranging in size from 3 to 5 cm, were enucleated endoscopically in patients aged 15–40 years. Intra-sinus expansion of the cyst and lesion level above the nasal floor allowed endoscopic enucleation using wide middle meatal antrostomy in 1 (17%). Lesions localized to the anterior wall and the nasal process of the maxilla permitted endonasal minimal rhinotomy approach in 1 (17%). Central lesions, cyst extension below the level of the nasal floor, and lateral wall expansion with or without anterior maxillary wall scalloping had adequate exposure using a minimal sublabial approach in four patients (67%). Together with its role in complete enucleation, endoscopy allowed associated rhinosinusitis surgical treatment in five patients (83%). Conclusion Tailoring surgical approaches to the expansion process allowed endoscopic enucleation of large odontogenic cysts/tumors without wall remnants. The integrity of the Schneiderian membrane was preserved, protecting the critical surrounding structures.