What is maxillary sinusotomy, and when is it needed?
Maxillary sinusotomy is an operation to widen the opening of the maxillary sinus and cleanse its cavity. The goal of the surgical intervention is to restore the normal outflow of sinus contents, remove pathologically altered tissue, and create conditions for full healing of the mucous membrane.
Modern maxillary sinusotomy is performed using the endoscopic method: through the nasal passages without external incisions. This fundamentally distinguishes it from the classic Caldwell–Luc operation, in which access was made through an incision under the upper lip. The endoscopic approach significantly reduces trauma and recovery time.
When does sinusitis require surgery?
Surgical treatment is considered when sinusitis becomes chronic and stops responding to therapy. Indications for maxillary sinusotomy:
- chronic sinusitis persisting for more than 12 weeks despite adequate drug treatment;
- cysts of the maxillary sinus causing symptoms or increasing in size;
- polyps in the sinus that disrupt its drainage;
- fungal balls (mycetomas) in the sinus cavity;
- recurrent acute sinusitis — 4 or more times per year.
For combined involvement of several sinuses, Helyos Medical Center performs comprehensive endoscopic surgery of the paranasal sinuses.
How is endoscopic maxillary sinusotomy performed?
During the operation, the surgeon carefully widens the natural opening of the maxillary sinus through the nasal passage and removes pathological contents if necessary. If polyps are present, endoscopic polypotomy is performed at the same time.
Procedure parameters:
- anesthesia — general;
- duration — 30–60 minutes;
- hospital stay — outpatient or 1 day;
- return to work — after 5–7 days;
- full recovery — 4–6 weeks.
Consulting an ENT doctor at the first symptoms of chronic sinusitis helps to choose the optimal treatment approach at an early stage. If the pathology also affects the ethmoid sinuses, endoscopic ethmoidotomy is performed as part of a single surgical intervention — this allows the cause of chronic inflammation to be addressed comprehensively.
Recovery after maxillary sinus surgery
The first days after the operation are accompanied by nasal congestion and moderate discomfort — the mucous membrane gradually recovers. Most patients return to work after 5–7 days, and a noticeable improvement in nasal breathing is felt within the first two weeks.
Important! Regular nasal rinsing with saline solution is an essential part of rehabilitation. It speeds up cleansing of the sinus and prevents crust formation.
Treatment of sinusitis at Helyos Medical Center
The complexity of maxillary sinusotomy largely depends on the individual anatomical features of the maxillary sinus. Helyos Medical Center has a modern AI-assisted CT scanner for accurate assessment of sinus anatomy and operation planning.
You can find out the estimated price of the operation and book a consultation with an ENT surgeon by calling +380670000150 or using the online form on the website. How much treatment costs, the doctor will confirm at an in-person appointment after examination and review of the CT scans.
