Evaluation of telescopes and forceps for endoscopic transnasal surgery on the maxillary sinus

BACKGROUND: Contemporary endonasal surgical treatment of chronic hyperplastic paranasal sinusitis strives for microsurgical excision of all spots of irreversibly diseased hyperplastic mucosa. However, anatomy of the maxillary sinus reveals distinct hidden areas and niches that pose problems to optical and instrumental control. METHODS: The specific range of view of common telescopes (30, 45, and 70 degrees) inside the maxillary sinus after generous middle meatal antrostomy is analyzed in three different-sized anatomic specimens. The examinations are paralleled by investigations on the range of action of 14 surgical instruments. The results are visualized by means of a three-dimensional computed tomograph of all specimens. RESULTS: The different telescopes and surgical tools that are introduced via the middle meatal antrostomy reveal a specific overlap in the range of view and in the range of action, respectively. Anatomic areas that are difficult to reach e.g., are the medial and anterior parts of the sinus and the alveolar recess. An additional inferior antrostomy offers minor benefits with respect to control of the prelacrimal recess. CONCLUSIONS: Routine surgery on the maxillary sinus in case of chronic hyperplastic pansinusitis via middle meatal antrostomy does not cover all hidden niches of the sinus. The most important area that is out of sight and control is the prelacrimal recess.