Analysis of Complications after Endoscopic Maxillary Sinus Surgery with Canine Fossa Puncture and Microdebrider

Lee, Jae Yong; Kim, Ki Hyun; Lee, Yong Man; Kim, Hyo Jin; Byun, Jang Yul; Koh, Yoon Woo; Kim, Shi Chan

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with extensive polyposis of maxillary sinus or antrochoanal polyp, it is very difficult to remove entire diseased mucosa through middle meateal antrostomy and often require the procedure of canine fossa puncture. The aim of this study was to analyze the complications associated with this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We performed a prospective study and questionnaire about complications on 56 patients who had undergone a canine fossa puncture and removal of diseased mucosa with microdebrider.
RESULTS
A total of 91 canine fossa punctures were performed in 56 patients. Twenty five patients (44.6%) experienced more than one adverse effect. The most common complaint was facial or cheek swelling (29.7%) followed by facial or cheek pain (24.8%), facial bruise (17.9%), facial numbness (11.9%), dental numbness (7.9%), tingling sensation (5.9%) and infection of puncture site (1.9%). Most complications (94.1%) resolved within 4 weeks after surgery. Only one patient (0.9%) had persistent facial numbness even at 14 months after the procedure.
CONCLUSION
Removal of extensive polyposis and diseased mucosa of the maxillary sinus with microdebrider through canine fossa puncture is a very useful technique. However, a significant number of patients experience temporary or permanent complications after surgery. Surgeons should be aware of these side effects and inform the patients before performing the surgical procedure.