Utility of yag laser in naso-antrostomy

ABSTRACT

Adequate drainage with good ventilation is the key problem in the management of chronic maxillary sinusitis. However, conventional operation of Caldwell-Luc has been limited by the failure to maintain unimpeded and permanent antrostomy. Laser surgery has certain advantages over the scalpel and cryoprobe in treating chronic purulent sinusitis, especially in those patients where an operation of Caldwell-Luc is indicated. Since 1987, 62 sides of naso-antrostomy in 49 patients with chronic maxillary sinusitis are performed by means of YAG laser technique. Laser surgery is done in the form of either middle or inferior meatus antrostomy when appropriate. Intra-operative bleeding is minimal. No stenosis of antrostomy is found after following for 10 to 36 months. The authors believe that this method of laser nasoantrostomy is safe, convenient, bloodless, and needs no postoperative nasal packing. The utility of YAG laser coagulation and vaporization is capable of creating a sufficient permanent antrostomy in the management of chronic purulent maxillary sinusitis