Long-term efficacy of inferior meatal antrostomy for treatment of postoperative maxillary mucoceles

Abstract

PURPOSE: Transnasal endoscopic marsupialization has replaced the conventional Caldwell-Luc operation for managing postoperative maxillary mucoceles. Inferior meatal antrostomy (IMA) may be an easier and more effective method than middle meatal antrostomy (MMA) because of anatomical and structural changes of the maxillary sinus. We evaluated the long-term efficacy and technical simplicity of both methods. METHODS: This study included 21 and 32 patients who underwent MMA and IMA, respectively. They were diagnosed with a unilateral postoperative maxillary mucocele, and medical records were reviewed for history, clinical presentation, radiographic findings, surgical intervention, complications, and outcomes. During follow-up, the size of the opening and stenosis or obstruction of the antrostomy site were evaluated. RESULTS: Preoperative symptoms and mean follow-up period were similar in both groups. All patients in the IMA group received the operation as planned, whereas in four MMA patients, the attempt to create an opening failed because of thick bones and anatomical changes from the previous operation; in these patients, IMA was performed. The opening remained large enough for ventilation and drainage between the mucocele and the nasal cavity in both groups. There were no major complications, such as profuse bleeding, wound infection, or orbital or nasolacrimal duct injury. CONCLUSIONS: Although both surgical procedures seem to be effective for managing postoperative maxillary mucoceles, IMA is easier to perform, and no instances of failure to create antrostomy openings occurred. We recommend IMA as the surgical technique of choice, but providing an opening of sufficient size is necessary to ensure long-term efficacy.