The surgery can improve sinus drainage, help you breathe better, and reduce the risk ofsinus infections.
Maxillary antrostomy is performed less frequently today compared to a newer procedure calledballoon sinuplasty.
This article describes the indications, goals, and risks of maxillary antrostomy.
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It also walks you through how the procedure is performed and how to prepare.
The images help establish the aims of the surgery and how the surgery is approached.
What Are the Benefits of Maxillary Antrostomy?
While effective, it may not always be the best option.
In such cases, maxillary antrostomy is far more effective in permanently removing obstructions for long-lasting relief.
How Effective Is Maxillary Antrostomy?
Maxillary antrostomy can be effective in relieving symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Just over 27% reported partial improvement, while no one reported a worsening of symptoms.
You will be asked to temporarily stop certain drugs a week or so before surgery.
These can increase the risk of bleeding and slow healing.
You will also need to stop eating or drinking anything the midnight before the day of your surgery.
It typically lasts between one and three hours.
You may be also givenAfrin nasal sprayto help widen the sinus passages.
Maxillary antrostomy is almost invariably performed withendoscopy.
This involves the insertion of a flexible, tube-like scope into your nostril and maxillary sinus.
Live images are fed through the lighted scope to a video monitor.
To ensure unhindered access, the ethmoid bone may need to be removed.
Pain is common two to three days after sinus surgery.
Severe pain may require a short course ofopioid painkillerslike Vicodin (acetaminophen/hydrocodone).
Another appointment may be scheduled in a month to assess whether the goals of treatment have been met.
Most people can return to work or school within a week.
you might expect to feel fully normal in around one to two months.
Summary
Maxillary antrostomy is a key in of endoscopic sinus surgery used in people with chronic sinusitis.
This helps improve breathing and reduce the risk of sinus infection.
It is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.
The surgery takes around one to three hours to complete.
Complete healing can be expected in one to two months.
Weber RK, Hosemann W.Comprehensive review on endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg.
2015;14:Doc08.
New York University Langone Health.Surgical treatment for chronic sinusitis.
2013;4(1):e6e12.
