Endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy

An inferior maxillary sinus antrostomy is useful for several reasons. In patients with open medial antrostomies who are having persistent infections a secondary cilial dysfunction may be present. An inferior antrostomy provides an alternate pathway of drainage allowing the cilia to become functional. It also helps for polyp disease, thick secretions, large retention cysts, maxillary related choanal polyps or fungal disease removal. It gives better exposure to the floor and anterior maxillary sinus. The use of an medial based nasal flap which can be elevated prior to the antrostomy enhances healing if a larger permanent window is desired. The window can be made small, if temporary, or large, if permanent, as is necessary.