A Study on Effectiveness of Middle Meatalantrostomy in Treatment of Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis

Background: Chronic maxillary sinusitis is an inflammation of the maxillary sinus lasting for more than 12 weeks. It is diagnosed by typical symptoms and/or a computed tomography scan and/or nasoendoscopic changes. After failure of maximum conservative therapy, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) aims to restore normal sinus function and ventilation though natural ostia. Traditionally in maxillary sinus surgery, FESS was initiated with the removal of the uncinate combined with middle meatalantrostomy. Aim: To study the effectiveness of middle meatalantrostomy in the treatment of chronic maxillary sinusitis, with respect to the treatment of nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, facial pain, headache, and olfactory alteration. Material and Methods: 54 Patients with chronic maxillary rhinosinusitis refractory to medical line of treatment were the study subject. Patients symptom profile, CT PNS, DNE findings preoperatively were documented. All the 54 patients underwent middle meatalantrostomy. Post operatively patients were followed up on day 7, day 30 and day 90. They were assessed for relief in symptoms and DNE on each follow up day. Results: 54 Patients with chronic maxillary sinusitis were assessed, 90 days after surgery 100% (n=54) of the patients had improvement in symptoms of nasal discharge, headache and olfactory alteration. 98% (n=53) of the patients appreciated improvement in nasal obstruction and facial pain. Conclusion: Results suggest that middle meatalantrostomy is effective in relieving the symptoms of chronic maxillary sinusitis such as nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, facial pain, headache, and olfactory alteration