Surgical Anatomy around the Maxillary Sinus Ostium in Cadavers

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to observe the anatomy around the maxillary sinus ostium and gain an understanding that will help prevent serious complications during middle meatal antrostomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dissection of the maxillary sinuses was carried out in 64 embalmed frozen cadavers, 105 maxillary sinuses. Using a digital ruler, forceps and a malleable probe, we measured the important anatomical relationships around the maxillary sinus ostium and uncinate process, the accessory ostium, and the nasolacrimal duct. RESULTS: 1) The mean width of the uncinate process was 4.9 mm in the mid portion ; 2) A natural ostium of the canal type was observed in 76% of cases ; 3) An accessory ostium was found in 18% of cases and the mean size was 3.17x2.41 mm ; and 4) The mean shortest distance between the nasolacrimal duct and the natural ostium was 4.8 mm. CONCLUSION: Surgeons must keep surgical anatomy in mind to prevent complications when performing endoscopic sinus surgery.