Maxillary sinus surgery is a form of invasive sinus treatment depending on the problem. Currently, endoscopic surgery is performed as well as Caldwell-Luca access surgery. Sometimes the operation has to be performed from both the mentioned access and the endoscopic access. What are the indications for performing such a procedure? What does it look like?
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Chronic sinusitis is a very common problem, with several per cent of patients suffering from it. The disease is caused, among other things, by environmental pollution and various allergens. Due to the symptoms of the disease, which are often inconvenient for the patient, chronic sinusitis sometimes prevents work, which is also an economic and social problem. There are many forms of treatment: from pharmacological forms of treatment to surgical treatment, such as Caldwell-Luc access surgery.
In which cases is Caldwell-Luc surgery performed?
There are specific indications for performing the procedure, and these include polyps of the maxillary sinus mucosa when endoscopic procedures have failed, removal of cysts, chronic mucositis, a foreign body in the maxillary sinus, taking a specimen for histopathological examination from the maxillary sinus, removal of benign tumours, orbital abscess, massive nosebleed or access needed to an anatomical structure - the pterygoid fossa.
What does such a procedure look like?
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, although it is sometimes performed under local anaesthesia. The maxillary sinus is opened through what is known as the supraorbital fossa (this is the area above the teeth). After the surgery is performed, a tamponade may be performed - a balloon is inserted into the sinus, which is removed the following day. After the surgery is performed, sutures are placed and removed at the post-operative check-up. Due to the incision in the supra-orbital fossa, no scar is visible.
After the operation, you should attend a follow-up to assess the condition of the operated area and to remove the sutures. The main thing you should do after surgery is to rest so that the tissues and wounds can heal properly. Swelling and pain may occur after the procedure itself. In this case, it is advisable to apply cold compresses and take painkillers. When antibiotic therapy is prescribed, it is important to take medication regularly. Exercise should be limited, saunas and swimming pools should be avoided and nose blowing should be abandoned.
Are there any contraindications to surgery?
There are contraindications to any surgery. The operation is not performed if the patient does not consent, if the patient is in poor condition, if the patient has severe haemorrhagic diathesis, if the patient has uncontrolled diabetes, if the patient has an acute respiratory infection or if the patient is on blood-thinning medication.
Caldwell-Luc surgery is an invasive treatment for many diseases and is also a diagnostic tool.
